Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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fast growing evergreen trees for small gardens

Fast growing evergreen trees for small gardens offer the perfect solution for adding year-round greenery, privacy, and beauty to limited spaces. With their compact size and quick growth habits, these trees transform small yards, courtyards, and urban landscapes into vibrant outdoor retreats. Whether you’re screening out neighbours, adding a lush backdrop, or creating a cosy haven for birds, choosing the right evergreen for your smaller garden ensures you enjoy benefits in just a few seasons—no need to wait decades for maturity. Explore some ideal options suited to New Zealand’s climate, with recommendations for small spaces that don’t compromise on impact.

Hoheria populnea

Hoheria populnea, commonly known as New Zealand Lacebark, is a graceful native tree admired for its beauty and resilience. It produces masses of white star shaped flowers in summer that stand out against its glossy green foliage. This evergreen species is fast growing and provides excellent shelter, shade, and seasonal interest. With its striking form and toughness, Hoheria populnea is a superb choice for NZ gardens, lifestyle blocks, and native revegetation projects.

Buy Hoheria populnea

From $18.83

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 8.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Wet, Wind

Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian

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 Zealand conditions and is commonly used for shelter, screening, and feature planting. This hardy tree provides year round structure and is ideal for creating privacy or defining boundaries. Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash) is a reliable choice for both residential and lifestyle properties.

Buy Fraxinus griffithii

From $299.92

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Trees

Height: 7.00 m

Spread: 4.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Why Choose Fast Growing Evergreen Trees for Small Gardens?

Selecting fast growing evergreen trees for small gardens means you get all the advantages of shade, shelter, and privacy far more quickly than with slower-growing varieties. Evergreens keep their foliage year-round, providing continuous structure and visual interest, even in winter. Many species are also relatively low maintenance, requiring only minimal pruning and care once established.

Top Recommendations for Small Spaces

Several tree varieties combine speed of growth with compact form, making them especially suitable for New Zealand’s small gardens.

Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle)

A top pick for fast growing evergreen trees for small gardens, Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle) is prized for its graceful, weeping habit and fine, dense foliage. Reaching modest heights, it provides an attractive screen or feature tree, while its pale yellow blooms add spring cheer.

Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash)

If you’re after a sophisticated look with glossy, mid-green leaves and clusters of white flowers, Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash) is an excellent choice. Tolerant of a range of conditions, it forms a shapely canopy without overwhelming small spaces.

Olearia traversii

Resilient and hardy, Olearia traversii is a New Zealand native that thrives in coastal conditions and exposed spots. Its tidy growth habit and evergreen foliage make it a reliable windbreak or privacy screen in petite gardens.

Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor)

For year-round, glossy elegance, Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor) delivers fragrant white blooms atop compact, evergreen form. It’s a standout choice for feature planting in small, urban spaces.

Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Native and fast-growing, Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai) graces small gardens with fine foliage and brilliant yellow flowers that attract native birds. It remains tidy and compact, ideal for limited spaces.

Planting Tips for Success

When adding fast growing evergreen trees for small gardens, prepare your site with healthy soil and adequate drainage. Water well until established, mulch to conserve moisture, and prune lightly to maintain shape. Regularly check for pests and diseases, especially in confined landscapes.

By choosing the right trees and caring for them from the start, you’ll soon enjoy a lush retreat—even in the smallest of garden plots. Explore our range of fast growing evergreens designed to thrive in New Zealand conditions and elevate your outdoor space.

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.