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fast growing small evergreen trees

Looking for fast growing small evergreen trees to add vibrant greenery and structure to your garden? You’re not alone. Many New Zealand gardeners want trees that provide year-round foliage, grow quickly, and suit smaller spaces. Whether you’re after low-maintenance screening, shelter, or just an attractive focal point, choosing the right fast growing small evergreen tree can transform your outdoor space. Let’s explore the best options, tips for planting, and how to get the most from these versatile trees.

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 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.

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
acacia-howittii-

Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle)

5 from 1 customers

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 hang from a central trunk and host small, green leaves as well as fragrant, yellow flowers in summer. This evergreen grows to about 2.5 m tall and 80 cm wide with a columnar habit. Acacia howittii makes for an impressive specimen and is often planted as a feature tree in a mixed planting.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 80 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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
Olearia traversii plant with white flowers and green foliage.

Olearia traversii

Olearia traversii, commonly known as Chatham Island Ake Ake, is a hardy New Zealand native tree valued for its upright form and resilience. This...

From$107.05
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
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
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.

Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$25.58
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
Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' in a garden with lush, green foliage.

Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' (Small Leaved Ligularia)

Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' is a striking perennial valued for its bold foliage and rich garden presence. Large broad leaves form lush clumps that...

From$26.93
pittosporum-small-ball-

Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum Small Ball is a dwarf variety grown for its glossy, olive-green leaves which are held densely. This evergreen grows with a ball shape to...

From$107.05
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
azalea-indica--1

Azalea indica

This variety of Azalea grown for its lovely form and profuse flowering. This hardy, evergreen shrub produces masses of small and showy, lightly...

From$36.38
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
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
Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$343.89
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
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
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
magnolia-amethyst-flame-2

Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

From$299.92
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
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
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
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$432.79
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-strawberry-fields-1

Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$432.79
magnolia-deryk-2

Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$343.89
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$299.92
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...

From$299.92
ulmus-lobel-

Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$343.89
cassia-corymbosa-john-ball-1

Cassia John Ball (Buttercup Tree)

Cassia John Ball, commonly known as the Buttercup Tree or Cassia Plant, is a large and colourful, deciduous shrub. It becomes enshrined by masses of...

From$24.23
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

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acacia, Azalea, Beilschmiedia, Cassia, Cedrela, Chiranthodendron, Crassula, Dacrydium, Dichroa, Ficus, Fraxinus, Ligularia, Liriodendron, Liriope, Lomandra, Magnolia, Melia, Olearia, Pittosporum, Schefflera, Schinus, Sequoiadendron, Sophora Sorbus and Ulmus, or related Categories - Grasses, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Azaleas, Evergreen Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Magnolia Trees.

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Why Choose Fast Growing Small Evergreen Trees?

Fast growing small evergreen trees offer immediate impact in the garden without taking up too much room. Their compact size makes them perfect for urban yards, driveways, or property boundaries. With year-round leaves, they ensure your garden remains lush and visually appealing no matter the season. These trees also provide habitat for native wildlife and help create privacy or wind protection faster than slower-growing alternatives.

Best Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

Selecting the right species is essential for success. Here are some outstanding fast growing small evergreen trees that thrive in New Zealand conditions:

How to Plant and Care for Your Evergreen Trees

For best results, plant your fast growing small evergreen trees in well-drained soil and a sunny or partially shaded spot. While these trees are generally low maintenance, regular watering and a layer of mulch can help them establish quickly. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in the early spring to encourage lush new growth.

Pruning requirements vary; early shaping will help densify hedges or maintain a tidy form. Always check individual species needs to ensure strong, healthy growth.

Get Started with Fast Growing Small Evergreen Trees

Transform your outdoor space with the beauty and practicality of fast growing small evergreen trees. Whether you’re creating privacy, adding shelter, or simply enhancing garden style, these species deliver reliable results that last year-round. Explore our selection and find the ideal trees, from Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle) to Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash) and more, to suit your next gardening project.


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.

Lomandra White Sands and Azara microphylla may be the stars of the show, but unsung heroes like Camellia japonica 'Jurys Yellow', Rhododendron Vireya Butterscotch, and Dietes iridioides (African Iris) deserve a moment in the sun.
–The Plant Company

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