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small conifer trees

Small conifer trees are a fantastic addition to New Zealand gardens, offering year-round structure, texture, and colour in manageable sizes. Whether you're working with a compact patio, urban courtyard, or a larger landscape in need of elegant focal points, small conifer trees provide versatility and low-maintenance beauty. With hundreds of conifer varieties to choose from, it's easy to find the perfect fit for hedging, topiary, container planting, or adding vertical interest to mixed borders.

Cupressus 'Totem' (Totem Cypress) trees in a garden.

Cupressus 'Totem'

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Cupressus 'Totem', otherwise known as the Totem Cypress, is a conifer valued for its slender, upright habit that brings an architectural effect. It carries delicate, fresh-green foliage which is held tightly on upright branches as it grows to 4 m tall and 1 m wide. Cupressus 'Totem' is an excellent plant for bringing height and depth to plantings, and it is often planted in a series or as pillars at an entranceway.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern
Potted Picea glauca 'Conica' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Picea glauca Conica

Picea glauca 'Conica', commonly known as the Alberta Spruce, is a conifer grown for its delicate foliage and conical shape. This evergreen produces fine, needle-like foliage which is soft, bright green, and aromatic when crushed. It typically grows to 1.5 m tall and 1 m wide at 10 years of age. Picea glauca 'Conica' is commonly used as an accent plant, grown as small specimen, maintained in a container, planted around pool and other outdoor living areas, or used to border an entrance.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' trees with lush green foliage standing 1.5 metres tall in a plant nursery ready for sale.
Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis'

Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' is an elegant conifer that grows with a narrow and dense, pyramidal shape. The foliage is dark green, sometimes...

Cupressus 'Totem' (Totem Cypress) trees in a garden.
Cupressus 'Totem'

Cupressus 'Totem', otherwise known as the Totem Cypress, is a conifer valued for its slender, upright habit that brings an architectural effect. It...

From$37.19
acacia-howittii-
Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle)

Acacia howittii, commonly known as the Sticky Wattle tree, is a fast-growing, small tree that is grown for its weeping growth habit. The branches...

From$129.95
A Picea pungens 'Glauca' (Colorado Blue Spruce) tree.
Picea pungens Glauca

Picea pungens 'Glauca', commonly known as the Colorado Blue Spruce, is a blue coloured conifer that grows with a broad and open, pyramidal shape. The...

From$515.35
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
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
taxodium-cascade-falls-
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...

From$387.55
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Pittosporum 'Small Ball'

Pittosporum 'Small Ball' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its naturally rounded growth habit, dense foliage, and tidy appearance. This dwarf...

From$22.01
tilia-cordata-1
Tilia cordata

Tilia cordata, commonly known as the Small Leaved Lime, is grown for its lush foliage and great form. The medium sized, heart-shaped leaves emerge in...

From$515.35
sorbus-scarlet-king-
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...

From$387.55
thuja-old-gold-
Thuja plicata 'Old Gold'

Thuja plicata 'Old Gold' is a striking evergreen conifer valued for its rich golden foliage and dense growth habit. The vibrant colour provides year...

cryptomeria-egmont-1
Cryptomeria japonica 'Egmont'

Cryptomeria japonica 'Egmont' is a handsome evergreen conifer valued for its dense habit, soft feathery foliage, and reliable year round colour. This...

From$383.29
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1
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$270.40
Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca' (Blue Atlas Cedar) tree with spectacular blue foliage.
Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca'

Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca', also known as Blue Atlas Cedar, is a striking evergreen conifer ideal for New Zealand gardens. Its silvery-blue needles...

From$340.69
taxodium-distichum-
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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Cedrus deodara

Cedrus deodara (Deodar Cedar) is a magnificent evergreen conifer admired for its graceful pyramidal form, soft blue green needles, and gently weeping...

From$192.51
pinus-pinea-1
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...

From$270.40
magnolia-deryk-2
Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$387.55
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka) tree with green-yellow foliage.
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka)

Libocedrus plumosa, commonly known as Kawaka, is a majestic NZ native conifer valued for its graceful, feathery foliage and elegant pyramidal form...

From$323.65
Large Juniperus 'Kaizuka' trees as a cluster.
Juniperus chinensis Kaizuka

Juniperus 'Kaizuka', commonly known as the Hollywood Juniper tree or Torulosa Juniper, is an upright conifer with an oriental style. It bears...

From$270.40
cupressus-blue-ice-4
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...

From$82.92
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
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$28.91
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...

From$387.55
magnolia-margaret-helen-
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$387.55
A young Thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar) tree in a forest standing four metres tall.
Thuja plicata

Thuja plicata, commonly known as the Western Red Cedar, is a conifer that grows into an attractive and large tree. It grows with a dense, conical...

From$17.95
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...

From$557.95
Cedrus atlantica (Atlantic Cedar) tree.
Cedrus atlantica

Cedrus atlantica, commonly known as the Atlantic Cedar, is a large and stately tree. It bears blue-green, needle-like foliage held on horizontal...

From$270.40
tree-and-shrub-fertiliser-
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...

From$13.40
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1
Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$515.35
Cupressus 'Totem'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search small conifer trees

Why Choose Small Conifer Trees?

Small conifer trees bring instant sophistication to any space, thanks to their evergreen foliage and tidy growth habits. They require little pruning to maintain shape and can thrive in a variety of soils and conditions, making them ideal for both new and experienced gardeners. Many are drought-tolerant once established and are excellent choices for formal gardens, contemporary designs, or classic cottage landscapes.

Popular Small Conifer Trees for New Zealand Gardens

Several standout varieties excel in New Zealand’s climate. The beloved Picea glauca Conica, also known as the Dwarf Alberta Spruce, features dense, soft green foliage on a compact, conical form—perfect for containers by the front door or lining walkways. For those who admire columnar evergreens, Taxus baccata Fastigata offers a slow-growing, upright yew with rich, dark green needles, creating dramatic accents or living screens.

Another excellent addition is Cupressus sempervirens Stricta (Pencil Cypress), prized for its tall, slender profile. It’s the quintessential choice for Mediterranean-inspired plantings and provides striking vertical lines in small spaces. Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' boasts a neat, pyramidal shape with soft, fragrant foliage and is the go-to for formal hedging or narrow garden beds. If you love the elegance of slim, upright conifers, Cupressus Totem is another superb choice.

Ideal Uses for Small Conifer Trees

Small conifer trees are incredibly adaptable. Use them as specimen plants to anchor borders, as foundation plantings to frame entrances, or in symmetrical pairs flanking gates and pathways. Their uniform habit makes them perfect for topiary and formal hedges, while their compact size ensures they don't overshadow neighbours in a mixed planting. Many small conifers, including Picea glauca Conica, perform beautifully in containers, providing a sculptural element that’s easy to move or update seasonally.

Growing and Caring for Small Conifier Trees

Caring for small conifer trees is relatively straightforward. Plant in well-drained soil and position in full sun or part shade for optimal results. Water regularly during the first year to help roots establish, then reduce watering as most conifers become tolerant of dry periods. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring and protect young specimens from harsh winds.

Join the many New Zealand gardeners discovering how small conifer trees can transform their outdoor spaces. Explore our full range of compact, eye-catching conifers—from Taxus baccata Fastigata to Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis'—and add enduring structure and style to your garden today.


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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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