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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.

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 complemented with small, yellow-green flowers in spring which result in acorns in autumn. The Holm Oak will typically grow to 15 m tall and 10 m wide with a rounded, dense crown. Quercus ilex is often grown as a specimen in extensive gardens and parks, but is also well-suited to Mediterranean-themed gardens.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 15.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Mediterranean
sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features feathery, dark green foliage which is held on broad branches emerging off a central trunk as it grows to about 60 m tall and 20 m wide over several hundred years. The Giant Redwood is commonly grown as a specimen, planted to provide shelter, or used for timber production.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 60.00 m
Spread: 20.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Forestry, Mediterranean
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$358.98
bergenia-cordifolia-rotblum-

Bergenia Rotblum (Heart Leaf Bergenia)

Bergenia 'Rotblum' is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its bold glossy foliage and vibrant deep pink flowers that appear in late winter and...

From$21.53
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$26.93
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$277.74
cunonia-capensis-3

Cunonia capensis

Cunonia capensis, commonly known as the Butter Knife Bush, is a fast-growing tree that features lovely foliage and interesting flowers. It has large...

From$70.13
magnolia-grandiflora-jade-emperor-

Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor)

Magnolia grandiflora Jade Emperor, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and...

From$343.89
magnolia-grandiflora-kay-parris-

Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris)

Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and showy...

From$343.89
lagunaria-patersonia-3

Lagunaria patersonia

Lagunaria patersonia, commonly known as the Primrose Tree, is an attractive, evergreen tree featuring lovely flowers. The showy, single flowers are...

From$343.89
schinus-molle-3

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree)

Schinus molle, commonly known as the California Pepper Tree, is an evergreen tree grown for its attractive form and foliage. The leaves are bright...

From$299.92
taxodium-distichum-

Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress)

Taxodium distichum, commonly known as the Bald Cypress or Swamp Cypress, is a conifer that grows as an upright tree to about 30 m tall and 8 m wide...

From$343.89
Fiddle-Leaf Fig with lush, green leaves.

Ficus lyrata (Fiddle-Leaf Fig)

Ficus lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig) is a highly sought after indoor tree admired for its large glossy violin shaped leaves and bold architectural form...

From$103.88
acacia-howittii-

Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle)

Acacia howittii, commonly known as the Sticky Wattle tree, is a fast-growing, small tree that is grown for its weeping growth habit. The branches...

From$897.86
schefflera-arboricola-

Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid...

From$26.93
chiranthodendron-pentadactylon-2

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon (Monkeys Hand Tree)

Commonly known as the Monkeys Hand Tree, this is an evergreen tree grown for its flowers and stature. Amidst the lush, green foliage are borne showy...

From$146.79
magnolia-grandiflora-teddy-bear-4

Magnolia Teddy Bear (Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear)

Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear, commonly known as the Magnolia Teddy Bear Tree, is a variety of Southern Magnolia, and is an evergreen tree with...

From$299.92
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$97.13
eucalyptus-blue-ice-

Eucalyptus Blue Ice (Gum)

“Blue Ice” is a variety of Eucalyptus grown for its colourful foliage. The leaves on juvenile trees are rounded, powdery-blue, and held densely. As...

From$343.89
liriope-muscari-evergreen-giant-

Liriope 'Evergreen Giant'

Liriope 'Evergreen Giant' is an herbaceous perennial that grows as a clump and produces strap-like, dark green leaves. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.18
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$299.92
bergenia-pink-snow-cloud-

Bergenia 'Pink Snow Cloud' (Heart Leaf Bergenia)

Bergenia Pink Snow Cloud is grown for its lush foliage and pretty flowers. The leaves are large and arranged as a somewhat flat rosette. They tend to...

From$20.18
crassula-ovata-

Crassula ovata (Money Tree)

Crassula ovata is a versatile plant ideal for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and easy care.

From$28.28
A Ficus hillii (Evergreen Fig) specimen tree with lush, green foliage.

Ficus Hillii (Australian Banyan)

Ficus hillii (Evergreen Fig, Hill's Fig) is a fast growing evergreen tree valued for its dense glossy green foliage and excellent screening ability...

From$24.23
tilia-cordata-1

Tilia cordata

Tilia cordata, commonly known as the Small Leaved Lime, is grown for its lush foliage and great form. The medium sized, heart-shaped leaves emerge in...

From$432.79
fraxinus-excelsior-3

Fraxinus excelsior

Fraxinus excelsior, commonly known as the European Ash or Common Ash, is a large and stately, deciduous tree grown for its rich and colourful...

From$299.92
Lomandra Evergreen Baby growing as a ground cover with lush, green foliage.

Lomandra Evergreen Baby

Lomandra Evergreen Baby is a compact, evergreen ornamental grass known for its delicate, deep-green foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to...

From$17.48
dichroa-blue-stars--1

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$29.63
sorbus-scarlet-king-

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$343.89
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
magnolia-jc-williams-3

Magnolia JC Williams (Magnolia Tree JC Williams)

Magnolia JC Williams bears masses of large and showy, rose-purple flowers through late winter and early spring. These are borne on the naked stems...

From$343.89
magnolia-margaret-helen-

Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$343.89
Quercus ilex

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acacia, Beilschmiedia, Bergenia, Cedrela, Chiranthodendron, Crassula, Cunonia, Dacrydium, Dichroa, Eucalyptus, Ficus, Fraxinus, Fuscospora, Lagunaria, Liriope, Lomandra, Magnolia, Metrosideros, Quercus, Schefflera, Schinus, Sequoiadendron, Sorbus Taxodium and Tilia, or related Categories - Deciduous Conifers, Grasses, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees 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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