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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.

podocarpus-gracilior-

Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) is an elegant evergreen tree valued for its fine textured foliage, graceful form, and versatility in the landscape. Despite its common name, it is not a true pine but offers a similar evergreen presence with a softer and more refined appearance.

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Formal, Mediterranean
Michelia 'Paton Pink' flowers on a stem.

Michelia 'Paton Pink'

Michelia 'Paton Pink' is a stunning evergreen tree known for its profusion of fragrant, blush pink flowers in early spring. The blossoms appear among glossy green foliage, filling NZ gardens with colour and scent. Compact yet elegant, it makes an excellent feature tree, screen, or addition to mixed borders.

From $387.55

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
acacia-howittii-
Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle)

Acacia howittii, commonly known as Sticky Wattle, is an attractive evergreen tree valued for its graceful weeping habit, fine green foliage, and...

From$349.95
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' white flower.
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is a compact, evergreen tree prized for its glossy green leaves and large, fragrant white flowers. Growing to...

From$41.33
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
Hoheria 'Alba Variegata' variegated foliage with white flowers.
Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata'

Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata' is a striking NZ native tree prized for its distinctive foliage and seasonal displays. This evergreen variety...

From$494.05
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
fraxinus-griffithii-3
Fraxinus griffithii

Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash) is a fast growing evergreen tree valued for its glossy foliage and neat upright form. It is well suited to New...

From$270.40
Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark) branch with masses of white flowers and green foliage.
Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark)

Hoheria sextylosa, commonly known as Lacebark or the Lace Bark Tree, is a quick growing, NZ native tree. The bark has a lace like appearance, hence...

From$323.65
eucryphia-cordifolia--1
Eucryphia cordifolia

Eucryphia cordifolia (Ulmo) is a magnificent evergreen tree renowned for its glossy foliage and masses of fragrant white flowers that appear from...

From$408.85
magnolia-grandiflora-kay-parris-
Magnolia 'Kay Parris'

Magnolia 'Kay Parris' is an elegant evergreen tree prized for its glossy foliage, compact growth habit, and impressive creamy white flowers. The...

From$387.55
Laurus nobilis foliage and flowers.
Laurus nobilis

Laurus nobilis, commonly known as Sweet Bay Tree or Bay Laurel, is a versatile evergreen tree prized for its aromatic leaves and classic form. It...

From$34.43
Alnus jorullensis lush green foliage.
Alnus jorullensis

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

From$165.51
A Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' tree with masses of cream-white flowers amidst glossy green foliage.
Michelia 'Velvet and Cream'

Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' is a compact, evergreen tree admired for its glossy, dark green foliage and fragrant, creamy white flowers that bloom...

From$34.43
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
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

From$270.40
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4
Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech)

Commonly known as Mountain Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely...

From$270.40
magnolia-grandiflora-ferruginea-2
Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea'

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

From$515.35
magnolia-russet-
Magnolia grandiflora 'Russet'

Magnolia grandiflora 'Russet' is a striking evergreen magnolia valued for its glossy dark green leaves with rich russet brown undersides and large...

From$387.55
Quercus laurina specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Quercus laurina

Quercus laurina is a magnificent evergreen oak native to Central America, admired for its stately form and year round greenery. Its glossy, lance...

From$136.04
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...

From$515.35
Michelia yunnanensis white flowers and glossy, green foliage.
Michelia yunnanensis

Michelia yunnanensis is a compact, evergreen tree renowned for its glossy, green leaves and highly fragrant, white flowers, which bloom from late...

From$270.40
A large and showy Quercus ilex specimen tree in a field.
Quercus ilex

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...

From$270.40
Michelia 'Inspiration' white flowers and dark green foliage.
Michelia 'Inspiration'

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

From$41.33
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
castanea-1005--1
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...

From$383.29
azara-microphylla-2
Azara microphylla

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

From$387.55
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...

From$136.04
olive-j2-
Olive 'J2'

Olive 'J2' is a productive olive variety valued for its reliable cropping, attractive silver green foliage, and suitability to New Zealand growing...

From$393.94
olive-koroneiki-
Olive 'Koroneiki'

Olive 'Koroneiki' is a premium olive variety renowned for producing exceptional quality oil with rich flavour and high oil content. This evergreen...

From$270.40
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

From$65.55
olive-leccino-2
Olive 'Leccino'

Olive 'Leccino' is a popular olive variety valued for its reliable fruit production, attractive silver green foliage, and excellent oil quality. This...

From$270.40
Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acacia, Eucryphia, and Fraxinus, or related Categories - 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.

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.

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