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

Narrow evergreen trees are a fantastic choice for New Zealand gardens, especially when you’re looking to create privacy screens, beautiful hedges, or add vertical interest without sacrificing space. These tall, slim trees are ideal for urban plots, driveways, and along boundaries, ensuring year-round greenery and shelter with minimal maintenance. Our climate provides the perfect conditions for a variety of lush, slender evergreens, whether you prefer natives or exotic species. Read on for expert advice on the best narrow evergreen trees for your landscape, along with tips on planting, caring, and choosing the right species for your situation.

Cupressus 'Gracilis'

Cupressus 'Gracilis' (Italian Spruce) is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its elegant upright growth habit and dense dark green foliage. This classic architectural tree provides year round structure, privacy, and formality in NZ landscapes while also creating a striking vertical feature in modern and traditional gardens.

Buy Cupressus 'Gracilis'

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Conifers

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 70 cm

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy

Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its dense upright form and rich dark green foliage. This classic architectural tree provides year round structure, privacy, and formality in NZ landscapes while also creating a striking vertical feature in modern and Mediterranean inspired gardens.

Buy Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

From $179.91

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Conifers

Height: 20.00 m

Spread: 75 cm

Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy

Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen, Topiary

Garden styles: Architectural, Formal, Mediterranean, Modern

Why Choose Narrow Evergreen Trees

Narrow evergreen trees bring several key benefits to New Zealand gardens. Their upright habit means you can plant them close to fences and buildings, making the most of limited space. They provide excellent privacy and act as windbreaks, all while retaining their foliage through all seasons. Many gardeners also appreciate how their tall, slim forms create striking architectural lines, blending seamlessly into both formal and naturalistic garden designs.

Top Picks for Narrow Evergreen Trees in New Zealand

Whether you’re searching for native or exotic varieties, there are plenty of narrow evergreen trees that perform beautifully across the country.

Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia

A classic choice, Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia is a narrow-leaved form of the traditional holly. It grows tall and columnar, ideal for clipped hedges or as a stately specimen tree. Its evergreen foliage and striking red berries add interest year-round, and it’s exceptionally hardy.

Hoheria angustifolia

One of New Zealand’s most graceful natives, Hoheria angustifolia (narrow-leaved lacebark) boasts elegant, upright growth and narrow, glossy green leaves. Masses of small white flowers in summer make it a stunning option for screens and avenue planting.

Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)

For those seeking a truly unique and architectural native, Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire) is an exceptional pick. Its dense, upright form and slender leaves make it perfect for limited space, while also contributing to native biodiversity in your garden.

Alnus jorullensis

If you prefer an exotic that adapts well to New Zealand conditions, Alnus jorullensis (Mexican Alder) offers robust growth and a columnar habit. This fast-growing tree is particularly valued for its ability to thrive in wet soils and provide year-round shelter.

Knightia excelsa

Another top native, Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) delivers a distinctive, upright silhouette and leathery evergreen leaves. Its unique flowers are a magnet for native birds, making it a functional and beautiful addition to your planting palette.

Planting and Caring for Narrow Evergreen Trees

When choosing the best site for your narrow evergreen trees, consider sunlight, soil type, and exposure to wind. Most of these trees thrive in well-drained soils, with regular watering during dry spells until established. Add a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture, and consider slow-release fertilisers for optimal growth. Prune as needed to maintain form, especially for screening or hedging purposes.

Transform Your Garden with Narrow Evergreen Trees

Incorporating narrow evergreen trees is a smart, stylish way to achieve privacy, shelter, and year-round colour, even in compact gardens. Explore our curated range—featuring exceptional choices like Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia, Hoheria angustifolia, and Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)—to find the perfect addition for your landscape. With the right tree, your garden will offer beauty and function for years to come.

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.

narrow evergreen trees

Cupressus 'Gracilis'

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

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Why Choose Narrow Evergreen Trees