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evergreen tree leaves

Evergreen tree leaves are a fascinating feature of countless gardens across New Zealand. Unlike deciduous trees, which shed their leaves in autumn, evergreens maintain their lush foliage all year round. Whether you're looking to create a privacy hedge, shelterbelt, or vibrant focal point, understanding the unique qualities of evergreen tree leaves can help you choose the right species for your landscape. These persistent leaves ensure consistent colour, texture, and structure in your garden, thriving in a variety of soils and climates.

Laurus nobilis foliage and flowers.

Laurus nobilis

5 from 1 customers

Laurus nobilis, commonly known as Sweet Bay Tree or Bay Laurel, is a versatile evergreen tree prized for its aromatic leaves and classic form. It provides year round structure in New Zealand gardens and is widely used for both ornamental and culinary purposes. This hardy plant is ideal for hedging, topiary, or feature planting.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 8.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Culinary, Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, White
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' white flower.

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

5 from 2 customers

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is a compact, evergreen tree prized for its glossy green leaves and large, fragrant white flowers. Growing to around 4–6 metres tall, it’s ideal for smaller gardens, screening, or feature planting. ‘Little Gem’ blooms from late spring to summer and offers year-round appeal with its dense foliage and tidy form.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White
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$270.40
ilex-aquifolium-angustifolia-male-
Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia'

Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia' is an elegant evergreen holly admired for its narrow dark green leaves and dense upright growth habit. This hardy...

From$136.04
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4
Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech)

Commonly known as Mountain Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely...

From$270.40
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
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Magnolia 'DD Blanchard'

Magnolia 'DD Blanchard' is a magnificent evergreen tree admired for its large glossy green leaves with rich copper brown undersides and elegant...

From$515.35
Cordyline australis albertii plants with variegated foliage.
Cordyline albertii

Cordyline albertii (Variegated Cabbage Tree) is a striking evergreen tree admired for its bold green leaves edged with creamy white variegation. This...

From$340.69
magnolia-russet-
Magnolia grandiflora 'Russet'

Magnolia grandiflora 'Russet' is a striking evergreen magnolia valued for its glossy dark green leaves with rich russet brown undersides and large...

From$387.55
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
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
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Azara microphylla

Azara microphylla (Vanilla Tree) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its small glossy leaves and wonderfully fragrant yellow flowers. In spring...

From$387.55
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
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
Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.
Cordyline australis

Cordyline australis, also known as the Cabbage Tree or tī kōuka, is a hardy and iconic New Zealand native. It features long, sword-like green leaves...

From$16.49
fuscospora-solandri-
Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech)

Commonly known as Black Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely in...

From$270.40
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Schefflera arboricola

Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree) is a popular evergreen plant valued for its lush foliage, attractive growth habit, and versatility. The...

From$29.95
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.
Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$15.04
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
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Carpodetus serratus

Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host...

From$298.09
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$387.55
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Daphniphyllum macropodum

Daphniphyllum macropodum is an impressive evergreen shrub or small tree grown for its lush, glossy green foliage and attractive architectural form...

From$366.25
Quercus laurina specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Quercus laurina

Quercus laurina is a magnificent evergreen oak native to Central America, admired for its stately form and year round greenery. Its glossy, lance...

From$136.04
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
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
Pseudopanax crassifolius growing in a garden with dark green foliage.
Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood)

Pseudopanax crassifolius, commonly known as Lancewood or Horoeka, is a distinctive New Zealand native tree renowned for its dramatic transformation...

From$26.15
magnolia-grandiflora-ferruginea-2
Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea'

Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea' is a magnificent evergreen magnolia known for its glossy green foliage, striking rusty brown leaf undersides, and...

From$515.35
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$270.40
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' tree in a garden.
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'

Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' is a standout Japanese maple admired for its glowing apricot and orange toned foliage that brings warmth and vibrancy...

From$299.95
macadamia-beaumont-3
Macadamia 'Beaumont'

Macadamia 'Beaumont' is a popular macadamia variety valued for its reliable nut production and attractive evergreen foliage. This productive tree...

From$323.65
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
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Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea)

Dichroa 'Blue Stars' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its clusters of intense blue star shaped flowers followed by brilliant metallic blue...

From$30.29
Laurus nobilis

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cordyline, Fuscospora, and Ilex, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, Evergreen Trees, and Magnolia Trees.

Search evergreen tree leaves

What Are Evergreen Tree Leaves?

Evergreen tree leaves are the foliage found on trees that keep their leaves through all four seasons. The leaves may be needle-like, as with many conifers, or broad and leathery, such as those seen on holly or laurels. Because evergreen trees are always photosynthesising, they provide year-round benefits, including shelter for wildlife and continuous shade or windbreaks. Common varieties with remarkable evergreen leaves include Quercus ilex, known for its dense, dark green foliage, and Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech), which displays fine, evergreen leaves perfectly suited to New Zealand conditions.

Popular Evergreen Trees With Distinctive Leaves

When selecting evergreen trees for your landscape, consider both the visual appeal and the resilience of their leaves. The Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree) sports soft, blue-green needles that are not only striking but also adapted to withstand dry summers and cold winters. Likewise, Quercus ilex leaves are leathery and oval, providing a classic Mediterranean look that can tolerate coastal winds and drought.

Other versatile options include the Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech), which has small, glossy leaves, and is renowned for its resilience in alpine gardens. While not evergreen, species like Annona cherimola (Custard Apple) and Bergenia Rotblum (Heart Leaf Bergenia) offer fascinating leaf shapes and can be excellent companion plantings for evergreens, adding seasonal interest and contrasting textures.

Benefits of Evergreen Tree Leaves in the Garden

Integrating evergreen tree leaves into your landscape offers many advantages. These trees create year-round privacy, help reduce noise, act as windbreaks, and offer continuous shelter for birds and beneficial insects. Evergreen leaves also serve as a reliable green backdrop, against which flowering shrubs and perennials such as Bergenia Rotblum (Heart Leaf Bergenia) can truly shine. Additionally, many evergreens, like Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree), require little maintenance once established, making them suitable for busy households and public spaces.

How to Care for Evergreen Tree Leaves

Proper care is essential for keeping your evergreen tree leaves healthy and vibrant. Most evergreen species appreciate well-drained soil and a sunny to partially shaded position. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppresses weeds without letting the mulch touch the trunk. Prune as needed to promote airflow and remove any damaged or discoloured leaves. For varieties such as Quercus ilex and Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech), a slow-release fertiliser applied in early spring can encourage fresh, glossy growth and stronger leaf colour.

Explore our range of evergreen trees to enjoy year-round beauty and structure with leaves that never lose their lustre.


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