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prickly evergreen tree

Are you searching for a prickly evergreen tree to add structure, privacy, or a touch of dramatic flair to your garden? Prickly evergreen trees are valued not just for their sharp, protective foliage, but also for their ability to provide year-round greenery. These hardy trees can serve as beautiful privacy screens, windbreaks, and even wildlife habitats, making them a versatile choice for any New Zealand landscape. Whether you’re looking for a majestic specimen or a reliable hedge, discover which prickly evergreen trees are perfect for your garden and how to care for them.

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Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

5 from 1 customers

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through shades of cream and green. The colourful new growth creates an outstanding feature during spring while the elegant branching habit provides year round structure. This fast growing ornamental tree makes a dramatic statement in larger gardens and parks. Well suited to New Zealand gardens, Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is an excellent choice for exceptional seasonal colour and architectural appeal.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Living areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris)

5 from 2 customers

Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and showy, white flowers through late spring and summer. The fragrant flowers are borne amidst the glossy, dark green leaves which serve as a lovely backdrop. It grows with a rounded habit to about 4 m tall and 3 m wide and responds well to trimming. Magnolia Kay Parris makes for a lovely specimen and is commonly added to a mixed planting, planted around outdoor living areas, used as a backdrop for smaller plants, or grown as a hedge.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White
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A Ficus hillii (Evergreen Fig) specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
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Eucryphia cordifolia (Ulmo)

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Podocarpus henkelii (Yellowwood)

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Magnolia Teddy Bear (Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear)

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Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

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Fraxinus griffithii

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An Acacia melanoxylon specimen tree.
Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood Wattle)

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

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Daphniphyllum macropodum

Daphniphyllum macropodum is a truly impressive evergreen tree. The young growth in spring resembles masses of miniature Cycads and has red hues...

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Agonis flexuosa 'After Dark'

Agonis flexuosa 'After Dark' (Peppermint Tree) is a stunning evergreen tree renowned for its dramatic deep burgundy foliage that provides year round...

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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...

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Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea'

Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea' is a magnificent evergreen magnolia known for its glossy green foliage, striking rusty brown leaf undersides, and...

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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...

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A large and showy Quercus ilex specimen tree in a field.
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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...

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A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
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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...

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Castanea sativa 1005 (Chestnut)

“1005” is a popular variety of Chestnut owing to its heavy yields of tasty nuts. Showy clusters of cream-green flowers in spring result in tasty nuts...

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Azara microphylla

Azara microphylla (Vanilla Tree) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its small glossy leaves and wonderfully fragrant yellow flowers. In spring...

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Michelia 'Fairy White' white flowers with lush, green foliage.
Michelia 'Fairy White'

Michelia 'Fairy White' is a compact evergreen tree admired for its glossy dark green foliage and fragrant pure white flowers that bloom from late...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Pinus pinea

Pinus pinea (Pine Nut) is a distinctive evergreen conifer admired for its broad umbrella shaped canopy, long green needles, and edible pine nuts...

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Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea)

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Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

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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...

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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...

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Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acacia, Cedrela, and Eucryphia, or related Categories - Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Trees, and Magnolia Trees.

Search prickly evergreen tree

What Is a Prickly Evergreen Tree?

A prickly evergreen tree is any tree species that keeps its green leaves throughout the year and features needle-like or spiny leaves for added protection. These unique adaptations help the tree retain moisture, defend against grazing animals, and tolerate tough environmental conditions. While “prickly” might sound intimidating, these trees can be striking additions to your landscape, offering both beauty and function.

Popular Prickly Evergreens to Consider

Several prickly evergreen trees thrive in New Zealand conditions, each offering something distinctive. If you’re a fan of iconic, towering specimens, consider Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree). This majestic conifer boasts dense foliage with a slightly prickly texture and stands out for its longevity and size.

Another superb choice is Lagunaria patersonia. Often called the Norfolk Island Hibiscus, this small to medium tree has evergreen leaves and unique star-shaped flowers. It features leathery, sometimes prickly, foliage and is well-suited for coastal gardens thanks to its salt tolerance.

For those intrigued by interesting foliage, Polystichum vestitum (Prickly Shield Fern) might not be a tree, but it offers a similar textural “prickliness” in fern form, adding contrast beneath larger evergreens.

Looking for a mix of stunning flowers and evergreen structure? Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor) provides glossy, dense foliage and showy blooms, making it a top pick for feature planting. Though not highly prickly, its robust evergreen form is ideal for screens and hedges.

Planting and Landscaping with Prickly Evergreen Trees

When planting a prickly evergreen tree, choose a location with full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. Most prickly evergreens are drought tolerant once established. Their protective foliage makes them fantastic deterrents for intruders and grazing animals, so they’re often used in defensive hedges. Position them where you want privacy or to shield sensitive areas from harsh winds.

Companion Plants and Design Tips

Combine prickly evergreens with contrasting textures and forms for year-round beauty. Underplant with ferns like Polystichum vestitum (Prickly Shield Fern) for a lush, layered look, or add flowering species such as Aesculus carnea for seasonal interest.

Find Your Perfect Prickly Evergreen Tree

Whether you're aiming for a bold statement or a functional screen, a prickly evergreen tree brings both protection and perennial greenery to your garden. Explore our selection of trustworthy varieties for New Zealand gardens, including Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree), Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor), Lagunaria patersonia, and more. Embrace the beauty and benefits of evergreens that stand the test of time—browse our full tree collection and start planning your garden’s next standout feature.


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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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