Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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japanese evergreen trees

Japanese evergreen trees offer New Zealand gardeners a stunning combination of year-round foliage, elegant form, and easy care. Whether you’re creating a tranquil Japanese-inspired landscape or simply searching for hardy evergreens to enrich your garden, these trees are admired for their lush greenery and sculptural shapes. From fine-needled conifers to glossy-leaved hollies and tropical-looking aralias, Japanese evergreen species bring both structure and beauty to outdoor spaces across Aotearoa.

A Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' hedge with fresh-green foliage.

Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box)

Buxus microphylla Japonica, commonly known as Japanese box hedge, grows about twice as fast as English box (Buxus sempervirens). The foliage is also lighter in colour being lime green and glossy. It typically grows to 1.5 m tall and the same wide and can be trimmed as necessary.

Buy Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box)

From $99.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.50 m

Spread: 1.50 m

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen, Topiary

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock

Cryptomeria japonica

Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cedar) is a majestic evergreen conifer valued for its tall upright form and soft rich green foliage. It brings structure, shelter, and year round interest to New Zealand landscapes.

Buy Cryptomeria japonica

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Conifers

Height: 70.00 m

Spread: 12.00 m

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Parks, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Coastal, Forestry

Why Plant Japanese Evergreen Trees?

Japanese evergreen trees are valued for their low-maintenance nature, adaptability to our local conditions, and ability to provide reliable colour through all seasons. These trees fit beautifully into formal designs, coastal gardens, and even smaller courtyard spaces. Their evergreen habit means they remain vibrant and sheltering during winter, making them practical choices for hedging, screening, or as striking standalone specimens.

Top Varieties of Japanese Evergreen Trees for NZ Gardens

Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cedar)

One of the most iconic Japanese evergreen trees is the Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cedar). With soft, feathery foliage that takes on bronze tones in cooler months, this stately conifer is an excellent choice for specimen planting or windbreaks. For a compact, bushier habit, consider Cryptomeria japonica Egmont, ideal for smaller gardens or as part of a structured hedge.

Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly)

If you seek an alternative to box hedging, Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) offers fine, glossy leaves and a dense, evergreen form that trims beautifully. It’s highly regarded for low and formal hedges, pathway borders, or clipped topiary in Japanese-style plantings. For a slightly different leaf shape, Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly) is another robust, a versatile holly cultivar.

Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia)

For a bold, architectural statement, Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia) brings a tropical touch to shaded borders or sheltered patios. Its large, hand-shaped, evergreen leaves create luxurious texture and pair beautifully with finer-leaved conifers and shrubs.

Design Tips for Using Japanese Evergreen Trees

Incorporate Japanese evergreen trees in groupings for year-round privacy or as specimen features for focal points in the garden. Layer different varieties such as conifers and aralias to imitate authentic Japanese gardens. Pair conifers like Cryptomeria japonica Egmont with understory shrubs like Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly), or highlight paths and ponds with lush Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia).

Caring for Japanese Evergreen Trees

Most Japanese evergreen trees prosper in well-drained soils and favour a position with morning sun or light shade, though they are adaptable to a range of conditions. Regular watering during dry spells and a yearly mulch will keep them looking their best. Minimal pruning is needed, except to shape hollies or maintain formal hedges.

Add Timeless Appeal to Your NZ Garden

Whether you want the rich, upright form of Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cedar), the dense charm of Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly), or the architectural flare of Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia), Japanese evergreen trees offer enduring structure, beauty, and texture all year round. Explore our collection and add a timeless Japanese touch to your New Zealand garden.

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.

japanese evergreen trees

Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box)

Cryptomeria japonica

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Why Plant Japanese Evergreen Trees?