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large specimen trees

Large specimen trees are the ultimate statement-makers in any New Zealand landscape, offering instant impact, lasting structure, and undeniable beauty. Whether you’re seeking to transform a new garden or add mature character to an established space, these magnificent trees serve as living landmarks, creating focal points, shade, and architectural drama. Choosing and planting the right specimen tree can redefine your property, boost biodiversity, and even increase the value of your home.

An Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) specimen tree in autumn with orange foliage.

Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)

Acer saccharum, commonly known as the Sugar Maple, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its bright autumn foliage and fabled maple syrup. The leaves emerge light green in spring, quickly age to dark green, then develop spectacular yellow, orange and red tones in autumn before falling. It typically grows to 25 m tall and 15 m wide. Acer saccharum is a magnificent specimen that is ideal for extensive gardens, parks, or growing as a shade tree.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 25.00 m
Spread: 15.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Japanese
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
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
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.

Tabebuia rosea

Tabebuia rosea, commonly known as Pink Poui or Rosy Trumpet Tree, is a large tree grown for its amazing flowers. Showy clusters of pink flowers coat...

From$43.13
fraxinus-excelsior-aurea-

Fraxinus excelsior aurea

Fraxinus excelsior aurea, commonly known as the Golden Ash tree, is a large and stately, deciduous tree. The leaves emerge light green-yellow in...

From$343.89
acer-princeton-gold-

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$391.14
fraxinus-green-glow-

Fraxinus Green Glow

Fraxinus Green Glow is a variety of Ash grown for its rich and colourful foliage. This deciduous tree produces dense and lush, bright green foliage...

acer-brandywine-1

Acer Brandywine (Brandywine Maple)

Acer rubrum Brandywine is an outstanding deciduous tree grown for its lovely form and striking autumn colours. It features lush, mid-green foliage...

From$382.61
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$343.89
aesculus-baumannii-5

Aesculus hippocastanum Baumannii

Aesculus hippocastanum Baumannii, commonly known as the Horse Chestnut, is a lovely, spreading tree. It bears large, upright sprays of double, white...

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
acer-esk-sunset-

Acer Esk Sunset (Eskimo Sunset Maple)

Acer pseudoplatanus Esk Sunset, commonly known as the Eskimo Sunset Sycamore Maple, is grown for its rich and colourful foliage. The lush leaves on...

From$382.61
ulmus-carpinifolia-variegata-4

Ulmus carpinifolia Variegata (Field Elm)

Ulmus carpinifolia Variegata, commonly known as Field Elm or Variegated Elm tree, is a stately, deciduous tree grown for its colourful foliage. The...

podocarpus-gracilior-

Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Podocarpus gracilior, commonly known as the African Fern Pine, Fern Podocarpus, carries soft, weeping, deep green foliage held on rigid branches. It...

From$299.92
aesculus-hippocastanum-2

Aesculus hippocastanum

Aesculus hippocastanum, commonly known as the Horse Chestnut, is a deciduous tree grown for both its flowers and foliage. It produces large and...

From$382.61
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$343.89
aesculus-briotii-

Aesculus Briotii

Aesculus Briotii is a variety of the commonly known, Red Horse Chestnut, and is grown for its colourful flowers and great form. It bears masses of...

From$382.61
Sophora tetraptera (Large-leaved Kowhai) yellow flowers.

Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora tetraptera, commonly known as the Large Leaved Kowhai, is a striking New Zealand native tree admired for its bold foliage and spectacular...

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
ulmus-glabra-pendula-1

Ulmus glabra pendula (Weeping Elm)

Ulmus glabra Pendula, commonly known as the Weeping Elm tree, is a deciduous variety grown for its cascading and colourful foliage. The lush and...

From$438.39
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-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
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
metasequoia-glyptostroboides-3

Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood)

Metasequoia glyptostroboides, commonly known as the Dawn Redwood, is a deciduous tree that features fine, needle like, rich-green leaves which turn...

From$343.89
magnolia-soulangeana-heaven-scent-2

Magnolia Heaven Scent (Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent)

Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These...

From$343.89
magnolia-campbellii-charles-raffill-2

Magnolia Charles Raffill (Magnolia campbellii Charles Raffill)

Magnolia campbellii Charles Raffill is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, pink and white flowers in spring. The lovely blooms are...

From$432.79
platanus-ace-of-clubs-

Platanus Ace of Clubs

Platanus Ace of Clubs is a variety of the commonly known, Oriental Plane Tree, and is a deciduous tree grown for its foliage and lovely stature. The...

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
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
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
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...

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
Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Aesculus, Beilschmiedia, Cedrela, Chiranthodendron, Dacrydium, Fraxinus, Magnolia, Melia, Metasequoia, Platanus, Podocarpus, Schinus, Sequoiadendron, Sophora Tabebuia and Ulmus, or related Categories - Deciduous Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search large specimen trees

What Are Large Specimen Trees?

Large specimen trees are mature trees that have been grown for many years, either in the ground or in large containers, so they are immediately striking once planted in a new location. Unlike younger or smaller trees, they bring instant appeal to gardens, parks, and commercial landscapes. Their size, form, and presence make them perfect for creating shade, shelter, and visual interest right away.

Our Top Selections for Large Specimen Trees

Many New Zealanders seek large specimen trees for their impressive stature, seasonal changes, and unique foliage. Some of our most requested trees include:

Benefits of Planting Large Specimen Trees

The advantages of investing in large specimen trees go beyond their immediate visual impact. They provide mature shade and shelter instantly, reducing cooling costs and creating natural outdoor rooms. Large trees improve wildlife habitat, frame views, and can screen neighbouring properties for privacy. Because they are already established, large specimen trees are more resistant to drought, pests, and environmental stresses compared to younger transplants.

Choosing and Establishing Your Large Specimen

Selecting the right large specimen tree for your site depends on your climate, soil, and aesthetic goals. Our expert team can help you find the ideal match, whether you prefer deciduous foliage, evergreen structure, or seasonal flowering highlights. Proper planting and aftercare are essential for successful establishment—well-prepared soil, staking, and consistent watering during the initial years are key to strong root growth and long-term performance.

Explore New Zealand’s Finest Specimen Trees

Transform your landscape today with a thoughtfully chosen large specimen tree. Browse our full range, from Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) and Fraxinus excelsior to statement conifers like Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree) and colourful rarities such as Tabebuia rosea. Our plants are grown to thrive in New Zealand conditions and ready to make an immediate impact in your garden. Contact us for expert advice, planting guides, and availability. Let’s bring your landscape vision to life, one magnificent tree at a time.


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

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