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short cypress trees

If you’re looking for versatile, compact evergreens, short cypress trees are a fantastic choice for New Zealand gardens. These elegant conifers bring structure, texture, and a vibrant green hue to any landscape without overwhelming smaller spaces. Short cypress trees are perfect for courtyards, patio containers, narrow beds, or tight borders. Their slow growth and manageable size mean less maintenance and more opportunity to create distinct focal points or formal plantings. Whether you want a neat vertical accent or a cascading statement, the range of short cypress trees can complement modern and classic garden designs alike.

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Cupressus sempervirens Stricta (Pencil Cypress)

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Cupressus sempervirens Stricta, commonly known as the Italian Pencil Cypress Tree, is a conifer that features dense, dark green foliage, and grows with a slim, columnar habit. This Pencil Cypress is a common sight in formal gardens across the Mediterranean. The foliage comprises short sprays of dark green, conifer foliage held on erect branches. It can grow to 20 m tall with a spread of just 75 cm though it is often kept to shorter heights. Cupressus sempervirens Stricta is valued for its slender, upright habit and is perfect for planting in a series or as pillars at an entranceway.

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
taxodium-distichum-

Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress)

Taxodium distichum, commonly known as the Bald Cypress or Swamp Cypress, is a conifer that grows as an upright tree to about 30 m tall and 8 m wide. It is somewhat unusual in that it is deciduous whereas most conifers tend to be evergreen. Feathery leaves emerge light green in spring, age to become bronze-yellow in summer, then develop bronze tones in autumn before falling. Taxodium distichum is a great tree for planting in wetter areas of a large garden and for planting around water features.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 30.00 m
Spread: 8.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Ponds
Garden styles: Riparian
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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...

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Cercis canadensis Texas White

Cercis canadensis Texas White, commonly known as the White Redbud tree, is a small tree grown for its colourful foliage, great form, and lovely...

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Cupressus Blue Ice (Blue Arizona Cypress)

Cupressus Blue Ice is a popular and versatile plant suitable for New Zealand gardens, offering year-round interest and unique appeal.

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Quercus robur 'Fastigiata' specimen trees.

Quercus robur Fastigiata

Quercus robur 'Fastigiata', commonly known as the English Columnar Oak or Cypress Oak, is a deciduous tree with lovely foliage and great form. This...

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Cercis Forest Pansy growing in a courtyard garden with purple leaves.

Cercis canadensis Forest Pansy (Eastern Redbud)

The Cercis canadensis Forest Pansy tree, commonly known as Forest Pansy Redbud or Eastern Redbud Forest Pansy, is a small tree grown for its...

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Cercis canadensis Hearts of Gold (Redbud)

The Cercis canadensis Hearts of Gold tree, commonly known as the Redbud Tree or Hearts Of Gold Redbud, is a small and popular, deciduous tree grown...

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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...

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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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Cupressus Ovensii

Cupressus Ovensii, commonly known as Ovens Cypress, is a hardy, fast-growing conifer native to Australia. It’s ideal for creating privacy screens...

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Styrax japonica

Styrax japonica is a small, deciduous tree grown for its fragrant flowers and colourful autumn foliage. Masses of showy and scented, white flowers...

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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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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...

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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...

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Crassula ovata (Money Tree)

Crassula ovata is a versatile plant ideal for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and easy care.

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Lagunaria patersonia

Lagunaria patersonia, commonly known as the Primrose Tree, is an attractive, evergreen tree featuring lovely flowers. The showy, single flowers are...

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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...

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Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

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Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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$358.98
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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...

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
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$432.79
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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$299.92
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Pear Doyenne du Comice (Comice Pear Tree)

The Comice pear tree (Pyrus communis Doyenne du Comice) is regarded as having the best flavour of all the pear varieties. It bears green skinned...

From$299.92
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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
Cupressus sempervirens Stricta (Pencil Cypress)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Aesculus, Cedrela, Cercis, Chiranthodendron, Crassula, Cupressus, Dacrydium, Fraxinus, Fuscospora, Lagunaria, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Pear, Quercus, Schefflera, Schinus, Sequoiadendron, Sorbus, Styrax Taxodium and Ulmus, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Conifer Trees, Deciduous Conifers, Pear Trees, Indoor Plants, Deciduous Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

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Benefits of Short Cypress Trees

Short cypress trees have become increasingly popular for urban gardens and smaller sections due to their compact size and stunning looks. Many varieties feature dense, fine-textured foliage that keeps its colour year-round. These conifers are often drought-tolerant once established, hardy in fluctuating New Zealand climates, and resistant to many common plant pests. Their roots generally remain unobtrusive, making them suitable near paving or as decorative screening. For gardeners interested in eco-friendly landscaping, short cypress trees can provide shelter for birds and beneficial insects too.

Popular Short Cypress Trees in New Zealand

Wondering which short cypress trees to plant? Several cultivars and related species perform beautifully in New Zealand gardens:

Many gardeners also appreciate the classic Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress) as a manageable feature tree, offering that traditional cypress appearance with a deciduous twist—enjoying rusty-orange autumn foliage before winter dormancy.

Design Ideas Using Short Cypress Trees

Short cypress trees lend themselves to a wide variety of landscaping projects. Try planting a row of Pencil Cypress for a dynamic vertical accent, or use weeping forms like Cascade Falls to soften hard edges. For contemporary gardens, group several compact cypress trees with ornamental grasses or contrast them with flowering trees such as Cercis canadensis Texas White. Their elegant outlines also pair beautifully with stone, timber, or water features, enhancing both traditional and modern garden themes.

Care Tips for Short Cypress Trees

To keep your short cypress trees looking their best, plant them in well-drained soil and a position with plenty of sunlight. Most cypress prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils. Water new trees well for the first year, then they’ll tolerate dry spells once established. Regular pruning can help maintain height and shape, especially for tighter spaces or topiary forms. Annual mulching will lock in moisture and enrich the soil.

Explore our full range of cypress and feature trees, and transform your landscape with the timeless style of short cypress trees.


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