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evergreen specimen trees

Evergreen specimen trees are the crown jewels of any New Zealand garden, offering year-round structure, colour, and presence. They’re perfect for homeowners and landscapers who want to create stunning focal points, provide privacy, or simply enhance curb appeal with lush foliage through every season. Whether you’re looking for an elegant centrepiece for your lawn or a unique silhouette to anchor a landscape design, choosing the right evergreen specimen tree is a long-lasting investment in beauty and value.

A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.

Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen species is renowned for its attractive dark green foliage and fleshy red seed cones that attract native birds such as kererū.

From $408.85

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 22.50 m
Spread: 9.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy, Wet
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Forestry, Native
A Michelia 'Fairy Cream' hedge with masses of cream-white flowers and glossy, green foliage.

Michelia 'Fairy Cream'

5 from 1 customers

Michelia 'Fairy Cream' grows as a small and shapely tree carrying glossy, green leaves which are attractive in their own right. Velvet buds are borne throughout winter and spring, opening to reveal exquisite, cream-coloured flowers with a light fragrance. It typically grows to 3 m tall and 1.5 m wide.

From $136.04

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
podocarpus-gracilior-
Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) is an elegant evergreen tree valued for its fine textured foliage, graceful form, and versatility in the landscape...

From$270.40
fraxinus-griffithii-3
Fraxinus griffithii

Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash) is a fast growing evergreen tree valued for its glossy foliage and neat upright form. It is well suited to New...

From$35.81
acacia-howittii-
Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle)

Acacia howittii, commonly known as Sticky Wattle, is an attractive evergreen tree valued for its graceful weeping habit, fine green foliage, and...

From$349.95
podocarpus-henkelii-1
Podocarpus henkelii (Yellowwood)

Podocarpus henkelii (Henkel Yellowwood) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping foliage, stately form, and year round appeal...

From$270.40
sequoiadendron-giganteum-
Sequoiadendron giganteum

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant Redwood) is one of the world's most impressive and majestic conifer trees, valued for its towering growth habit, rich...

From$270.40
A Michelia figo (Port Wine Magnolia) plant with pink blushed flowers and dark green foliage.
Michelia figo

Michelia figo, commonly known as the Port Wine Magnolia, is a compact evergreen tree prized for its delightfully fragrant, cream-white flowers and...

From$34.43
A Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' tree with masses of cream-white flowers amidst glossy green foliage.
Michelia 'Velvet and Cream'

Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' is a compact, evergreen tree admired for its glossy, dark green foliage and fragrant, creamy white flowers that bloom...

From$270.40
A large and showy Quercus ilex specimen tree in a field.
Quercus ilex

Quercus ilex, commonly known as the Holm Oak or Evergreen Oak, is an evergreen tree with lush foliage. The dark green leaves are glossy and...

From$279.95
Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.
Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark...

From$270.40
Hoheria 'Alba Variegata' variegated foliage with white flowers.
Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata'

Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata' is a striking NZ native tree prized for its distinctive foliage and seasonal displays. This evergreen variety...

From$494.05
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$515.35
Michelia yunnanensis white flowers and glossy, green foliage.
Michelia yunnanensis

Michelia yunnanensis is a compact, evergreen tree renowned for its glossy, green leaves and highly fragrant, white flowers, which bloom from late...

From$270.40
fuscospora-solandri-
Fuscospora solandri

Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, dense canopy, and strong natural...

From$270.40
A lagre Podocarpus totara tree about 150 years of age.
Podocarpus totara

Podocarpus totara, commonly known as the Totara tree, is a majestic native tree of New Zealand, prized for its durable timber and cultural...

From$270.40
A Quercus suber (Cork Oak) specimen tree.
Quercus suber

The Quercus suber tree is commonly known as the Cork Oak tree due to its rough and spongy bark, which is often used to produce corks. The Cork Oak...

From$199.95
schinus-molle-3
Schinus molle (Peruvian Peppercorn)

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping branches, fine textured foliage, and attractive...

From$281.05
Michelia 'Inspiration' white flowers and dark green foliage.
Michelia 'Inspiration'

Michelia 'Inspiration' is a compact evergreen tree admired for its glossy dark green foliage and fragrant white flowers that bloom from late winter...

From$34.43
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$323.65
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4
Fuscospora cliffortioides

Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, natural form, and strong...

From$270.40
crataegus-pauls-scarlet-5
Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet'

Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet' is a magnificent deciduous flowering tree renowned for its masses of rich scarlet double flowers that cover the...

From$340.69
Michelia 'Fairy White' white flowers with lush, green foliage.
Michelia 'Fairy White'

Michelia 'Fairy White' is a compact evergreen tree admired for its glossy dark green foliage and fragrant pure white flowers that bloom from late...

From$34.43
Michelia 'Fairy Blush' flowers tinged with pink amidst lush, dark green foliage.
Michelia 'Fairy Blush'

Michelia 'Fairy Blush' is a compact, evergreen tree admired for its glossy, dark green foliage and fragrant, lilac-pink flowers that bloom from late...

From$136.04
magnolia-grandiflora-kay-parris-
Magnolia 'Kay Parris'

Magnolia 'Kay Parris' is an elegant evergreen tree prized for its glossy foliage, compact growth habit, and impressive creamy white flowers. The...

From$65.55
A Laurus nobilis 'Angustifolia' small specimen tree in a garden.
Laurus nobilis angustifolia

Laurus nobilis angustifolia is a variety of Laurel grown for its compact growth habit and elegant foliage. This evergreen tree features lush, dark...

From$202.44
An Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) specimen tree in autumn with orange foliage.
Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)

Acer saccharum, commonly known as the Sugar Maple, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its bright autumn foliage and fabled maple syrup. The leaves...

From$249.95
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$270.40
olive-ascolano-
Olive 'Ascolano'

Olive 'Ascolano' is an evergreen olive tree valued for its large table olives and attractive silver green foliage. The fruit has a generous...

From$34.43
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

From$270.40
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
Prumnopitys ferruginea

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acacia, Fraxinus, and Michelia, or related Categories - Evergreen Trees.

Search evergreen specimen trees

Why Choose Evergreen Specimen Trees?

Evergreen specimen trees are prized for their ability to maintain foliage and visual interest all year, unlike deciduous trees that lose their leaves in autumn. This means your garden retains its character and vibrancy, regardless of the season. Specimen trees, in particular, are selected for their striking features—whether it’s their dramatic form, grand stature, unique bark, or fragrant flowers. They’re often planted solo, allowing their beauty to shine without competition.

Favourite Evergreen Specimen Trees for New Zealand Gardens

New Zealand’s mild climate is home to a diverse range of evergreen specimen trees. Tall, statuesque selections like Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree) make a bold statement, delighting garden lovers with their towering presence and handsome blue-green foliage. For something with a coastal flair, Lagunaria patersonia offers glossy green leaves and charming, hibiscus-like flowers that stand out beautifully as a feature tree.

Another excellent choice is Podocarpus henkelii (Yellowwood). Its dense, elegant foliage and upright habit make it a favourite for avenues, large lawns, or mixed borders. For gardeners seeking something a little more unusual, Daphniphyllum macropodum brings exotic, lush leaves and decorative berries, making it a superb conversation starter. Or, create a Mediterranean vibe with Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree), celebrated for its feathery foliage and arching form.

How to Plant and Care for Evergreen Specimen Trees

To get the most out of your evergreen specimen tree, choose a site with adequate space for the tree to mature—both above and below ground. Ensure it receives suitable sun or partial shade, based on the species. Enrich soil with compost before planting, water regularly during establishment, and use a layer of mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Prune only as necessary to maintain your tree’s shape, as most evergreens respond well to minimal intervention.

Shop Evergreen Specimen Trees

Evergreen specimen trees offer enduring beauty and structure for gardens of any size. Explore our selection today, from striking Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree) to the elegant Podocarpus henkelii (Yellowwood) and unique Daphniphyllum macropodum. Whether you’re after a singular focal point or a statement avenue, let our expert team help you find the perfect evergreen specimen tree for your landscape.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Gardeners love Lomandra 'Frosty Tops' and Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma), but there’s a growing buzz around plants like Bergenia 'Bressingham Ruby', Alectryon excelsus, and Lomandra 'Green Allure'.
–The Plant Company

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