Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

hardy evergreen trees

Hardy evergreen trees are a cornerstone of New Zealand gardens, offering year-round colour, structure, and resilience to a range of challenging conditions. For Kiwis seeking privacy, windbreaks, or simply an attractive, low-maintenance feature, choosing the right evergreens means less fuss and more enjoyment. Whether you’re after a sleek conifer, a majestic statement tree, or a compact evergreen for smaller spaces, the right hardy evergreen trees can withstand frosty winters, exposed sites, and even coastal environments. Explore our collection and discover which varieties thrive best in your location.

cupressus-ovensii-3

Cupressus ovensii

5 from 1 customers

Cupressus ovensii (Ovens Cypress) is a hardy evergreen conifer admired for its fine textured foliage and dense upright growth habit. This resilient tree provides year round structure, greenery, and shelter in NZ landscapes while also creating an attractive natural feature in larger gardens and rural settings. Its strong branching and evergreen foliage make it ideal for shelter planting, screening, windbreaks, and feature planting where hardy low maintenance trees are desired. Cupressus ovensii is highly valued for its adaptability, resilience, and year round landscape appeal.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 25.00 m
Spread: 8.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Screening
Garden styles: Coastal, Forestry, Formal
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
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' white flower.
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is a compact, evergreen tree prized for its glossy green leaves and large, fragrant white flowers. Growing to...

From$41.33
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
An Acacia melanoxylon specimen tree.
Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood Wattle)

Acacia melanoxylon, commonly known as the Acacia Blackwood Wattle or Australian Blackwood, is an evergreen tree that grows rapidly to 30 m tall and...

From$79.95
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
Laurus nobilis foliage and flowers.
Laurus nobilis

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...

From$34.43
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
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
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$102.84
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
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
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
olive-manzanillo-6
Olive 'Manzanillo'

Olive 'Manzanillo' is a popular olive variety prized for its large flavoursome fruit that is ideal for both table olives and oil production. This...

From$34.43
A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.
Sophora chathamica

Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is a stunning New Zealand native tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring...

From$323.65
olive-leccino-2
Olive 'Leccino'

Olive 'Leccino' is a popular olive variety valued for its reliable fruit production, attractive silver green foliage, and excellent oil quality. This...

From$270.40
daphniphyllum-macropodum-3
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
Hoheria populnea green foliage with white flowers.
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...

From$19.25
olive-j2-
Olive 'J2'

Olive 'J2' is a productive olive variety valued for its reliable cropping, attractive silver green foliage, and suitability to New Zealand growing...

From$393.94
A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.
Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta (White Tea Tree) is a fast growing NZ native tree known for its fine foliage and masses of small white flowers that attract bees and...

From$8.97
Alnus jorullensis lush green foliage.
Alnus jorullensis

Alnus jorullensis (Evergreen Alder, Mexican Alder) is a fast growing and versatile tree that performs superbly in many New Zealand landscapes. It is...

From$165.51
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
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
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$270.40
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$387.55
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$12.95
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$28.91
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
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
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$30.29
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$387.55
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$387.55
Cupressus ovensii

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search hardy evergreen trees

Why Choose Hardy Evergreen Trees?

Hardy evergreen trees bring structure and lushness to the garden, even when other plants lose their leaves. They serve as natural windbreaks, create privacy screens, and provide vital shelter for native birds. Unlike deciduous varieties, these trees keep your outdoor spaces looking vibrant all year. Many gardeners love them as backdrop planting, but their versatility doesn’t end there. Hardy evergreen trees can also stabilize slopes and reduce erosion, lending beauty and function at the same time.

Top Choices for Hardy Evergreen Trees

Cryptomeria japonica Egmont

Cryptomeria japonica Egmont is a favoured conifer in New Zealand gardens thanks to its compact, upright form and feathery, bright green foliage. Exceptionally hardy, this variety tolerates frosty conditions and thrives in a range of soils. Its neat shape makes it ideal for formal plantings, hedges, or as a feature in mixed borders.

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

For those dreaming of a statement tree, Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree) is as grand as hardy evergreen trees come. Also known as Giant Sequoia, this imposing evergreen is renowned for its towering presence and deeply furrowed bark. While it prefers well-drained soils, it adapts well to New Zealand’s climate and offers many decades of shelter and shade.

Quercus ilex

Quercus ilex, or Holm Oak, is a broadleaf evergreen with tough, leathery, dark green leaves that resist both wind and salt. This makes it perfect for coastal gardeners seeking robust, wind-hardy evergreen trees. With its spreading canopy and strong structure, Quercus ilex is often used for avenue planting or as a majestic specimen tree.

Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem

For those wanting evergreen beauty on a smaller scale, Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem is a compact variety ideal for urban gardens, pots, or feature planting. It boasts glossy green leaves and stunning white blooms from spring to late summer. Hardy for New Zealand conditions, Little Gem brings evergreen charm and floral interest in a well-behaved package.

Companion Planting and Understory

Pair your hardy evergreen trees with attractive understory plants like Azalea indica for bursts of seasonal colour beneath or around the base. This combination provides year-round interest and additional habitat value while making the most of all garden layers.

Choose the Best Hardy Evergreen Trees for Your Garden

When selecting hardy evergreen trees, consider your site’s soil, sun, wind exposure, and desired look. Our nursery offers expert guidance and high-quality plants to ensure lasting success. Browse our full plant range to discover a hardy, evergreen option perfectly suited to your New Zealand 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.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews