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list of specimen trees

A list of specimen trees is an essential resource for New Zealand gardeners seeking to make a statement in their landscape design. Specimen trees provide an architectural focal point, dramatic seasonal colour, or unique form that instantly elevates any garden. Choosing the right specimen tree can transform a dull corner into a standout feature and attract attention year-round. If you’re searching for the best specimen trees for your garden, this guide will help you discover striking varieties that thrive in New Zealand conditions.

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Sequoiadendron giganteum

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant Redwood) is one of the world’s most impressive and majestic conifer trees, valued for its towering growth habit, rich green foliage, and remarkable longevity. This iconic tree creates an outstanding feature in large New Zealand landscapes, parks, and lifestyle properties where space allows for its grand scale. Giant Redwood trees are fast growing when young and develop a strong upright form with attractive reddish bark as they mature. Sequoiadendron giganteum is perfect for those wanting to plant a truly enduring and awe inspiring specimen tree.

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
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 emerge bright yellow in spring, age to become a less intense yellow during summer, then develop brilliant shades of yellow in autumn before falling. It grows with an upright, spreading habit to eventually reach 10 m tall and 7 m wide. Acer Princeton Gold makes for a magnificent specimen and is ideal for parks and large gardens where is provides wonderful shade and colour.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 7.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$323.65
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$299.95
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...

From$511.09
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...

From$249.95
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$41.33
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$515.35
robinia-frisia-1
Robinia Frisia

Robinia Frisia, commonly known as the Golden Robinia, features fern-like foliage that emerges light yellow-green in spring, ages to become...

From$387.55
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
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
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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
fagus-sylvatica-purpurea-1
Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea'

Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea', commonly known as the Copper Beech Tree, grows as a stately, deciduous tree with a broad and spreading crown of...

From$387.55
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$270.40
Magnolia denudata

Magnolia denudata, commonly known as the Lily Tree or Yulan Magnolia, is a deciduous tree admired for its large, fragrant, creamy white flowers that...

From$270.40
taxodium-cascade-falls-
Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls

Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls is a variety of the commonly known, Swamp Cypress, and is a fabulous weeping tree that will tolerate heavy soils...

From$387.55
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$387.55
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$387.55
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
Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.
Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark...

From$270.40
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
cercis-oklahoma--1
Cercis Oklahoma Redbud

The Cercis Oklahoma Redbud, commonly known as Eastern Redbud, is a small tree grown for its impressive foliage and flowers. Clusters of purple...

From$340.69
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$387.55
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
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$515.35
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
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$557.95
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$515.35
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$387.55
A colourful Ginkgo biloba specimen tree with yellow, autumn foliage.
Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as the Maidenhair Tree, is a deciduous tree grown for its form, foliage, and rich autumn colours. It produces...

From$387.55
A Parrotia persica (Persian Ironwood) specimen tree with colourful, orange foliage in autumn.
Parrotia persica

Parrotia persica, commonly known as the Persian Ironwood Tree, is a small tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours. The foliage emerges light...

From$192.51
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
Sequoiadendron giganteum

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Fraxinus, and Magnolia, or related Categories - Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees, and Magnolia Trees.

Search list of specimen trees

What Makes a Great Specimen Tree?

Specimen trees are typically chosen for their remarkable appearance or distinctive characteristics. These trees often feature bold foliage, graceful forms, vivid flowers, or stunning bark. The ideal specimen tree stands alone and draws focus, so choose one that suits the scale of your garden and the style you wish to create.

Popular List of Specimen Trees for New Zealand Gardens

When considering a specimen tree, look for features that will shine throughout the seasons, from spring blossom to autumn leaf colour. Here’s a list of specimen trees that our customers love for their lasting beauty and adaptability:

1. Robinia Lace Lady

Robinia Lace Lady is a compact, architectural beauty best known for its twisted branches and delicate foliage. This smaller specimen tree is ideal for courtyards or smaller gardens, adding a sculptural element even in winter when its unique branch structure catches the eye.

2. Lagunaria patersonia

Lagunaria patersonia, also called the Norfolk Island Hibiscus, features lush evergreen foliage and eye-catching, pale-pink hibiscus-like flowers in summer. Its upright form and resilience to wind make it a versatile choice for coastal settings and urban gardens.

3. Corylus maxima Purpurea

If you’re after dramatic colour, Corylus maxima Purpurea is a superb choice. This Purple Filbert offers deep burgundy foliage that holds its colour from spring into autumn, drawing the eye and providing a striking contrast in mixed plantings.

4. Fraxinus excelsior

Fraxinus excelsior, also known as the Common Ash, is valued for its stately form and luminous yellow autumn colour. Its strong, upright habit makes it a classic specimen tree for larger grounds and avenues.

5. Cercis canadensis Texas White

For massed spring flowering, Cercis canadensis Texas White delivers a profusion of white blossoms along bare branches before the heart-shaped foliage emerges. This elegant small tree is perfect for feature planting near patios or entryways.

Creating Impact with a Specimen Tree

Planting a specimen tree is about more than just picking a beautiful plant—it’s about positioning and design. Place your choice from this list of specimen trees where it can be enjoyed from key viewpoints, and allow space for its mature size. Mulch and feed regularly for best performance, and consider underplanting with seasonal bulbs or low-growing groundcovers to frame your specimen and showcase it year-round.

The right specimen tree can be the crowning feature of your garden for decades to come. Explore our full selection and turn your outdoor space into a living work of art.


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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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