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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)

5 from 2 customers

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.

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
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Taxodium distichum 'Cascade Falls'

Taxodium distichum 'Cascade Falls' is a graceful weeping form of Bald Cypress, admired for its cascading branches, soft feathery foliage, and spectacular bronze orange autumn colour. Its elegant habit makes it an outstanding specimen tree for gardens, beside ponds, and in feature landscapes.

From $387.55

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy, Wet
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Riparian
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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Cupressus 'Blue Ice' (Blue Arizona Cypress)

Cupressus 'Blue Ice' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its vibrant icy blue foliage and strong upright growth habit. This hardy tree...

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Podocarpus totara 'Aurea' tree with yellow foliage.
Podocarpus totara 'Aurea' (Golden Tōtara)

Podocarpus totara Aurea, commonly known as Golden Totara, features golden foliage composed of short, needle-like leaves held densely. It typically...

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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...

From$99.29
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Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress)

Taxodium distichum (Swamp Cypress) is a magnificent deciduous conifer admired for its soft feathery foliage, strong upright form, and spectacular...

From$387.55
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Cupressus ovensii

Cupressus ovensii (Ovens Cypress) is a hardy evergreen conifer admired for its fine textured foliage and dense upright growth habit. This resilient...

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A Parrotia persica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous green foliage.
Parrotia persica pendula (Weeping Persian Ironwood)

Parrotia persica 'Pendula', commonly known as the Weeping Persian Ironwood, is a tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours and weeping growth...

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...

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Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

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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
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
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...

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Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) tree with lush foliage and white flowers growing in a coastal location.
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

Myoporum laetum, commonly known as Ngaio, is a NZ native tree grown for its lush foliage and showy flowers. It features large, fleshy, green leaves...

From$28.91
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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$270.40
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Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
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
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Dianthus Memories

Dianthus Memories is a scented variety of Carnation that features masses of double, white, highly fragrant flowers. These stunning flowers are...

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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...

From$515.35
Cordyline 'Broadsword' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Cordyline Broadsword

Cordyline 'Broadsword' is a smaller variety of the commonly known Cabbage Tree, and features broad, bright green leaves held on a small tree. It...

From$30.29
corylus-colurna-1
Corylus colurna

Corylus colurna (Turkish Hazel) is a stately deciduous tree valued for its strong upright form, attractive rounded canopy, and edible hazelnuts. It...

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A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.
Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

From$229.95
An Acer buergerianum specimen tree.
Acer buergerianum

Acer buergerianum, commonly known as the Trident Maple, is a striking deciduous tree admired for its distinctive three-lobed leaves and brilliant...

From$299.95
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea'

Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' (Silk Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree valued for its graceful spreading canopy, fern like foliage, and masses of...

From$344.95
jute-tree-tie-1
Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

From$64.67
pb-28-planter-bags-
PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
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Koelreuteria paniculata

Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its bright yellow flower clusters and attractive foliage. In...

From$270.40
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

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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...

From$383.29
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PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

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Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree) yellow flower amidst lush, green foliage.
Liriodendron tulipifera

Liriodendron tulipifera, commonly known as the Tulip Tree, is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its stately form and striking flowers. It...

From$387.55
Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cupressus, Dacrydium, and Parrotia, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Conifer Trees, and Deciduous Conifers.

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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.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Our garden favourites Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) and Schefflera arboricola get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Leptospermum 'Red Falls', Mazus pumilio, and Stachys byzantina.
–The Plant Company

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