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small deciduous trees

Searching for small deciduous trees to enhance your garden? Whether you’re looking for seasonal colour, architectural interest, or pollinator-friendly blooms, small deciduous trees offer compact beauty with big impact. Perfect for New Zealand gardens, these trees shed their leaves in autumn to reveal striking winter silhouettes, then burst back to life in spring with vibrant foliage and flowers. Their manageable size makes them ideal for urban yards, small spaces, or as elegant focal points alongside patios and pathways.

Acer 'Asahi Zuru' green and white variegated foliage.

Acer 'Asahi Zuru'

Acer 'Asahi Zuru' is a stunning Japanese Maple known for its delicate, variegated leaves that blend pink, white, and green tones. In autumn, the foliage turns rich shades of red and orange, creating a spectacular garden display.

From $24.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.50 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
prunus-blireiana-

Prunus blireiana

Prunus 'Blireiana' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its abundant double pink blossoms and colourful foliage. Masses of fragrant, rosy pink flowers cover the branches in spring, creating a spectacular display before or as the new leaves emerge.

From $515.35

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
prunus-autumnalis-rosea-6
Prunus autumnalis 'Rosea'

Prunus autumnalis 'Rosea' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its delicate pink blossoms and unusually long flowering season. Small...

From$515.35
A Parrotia persica (Persian Ironwood) specimen tree with colourful, orange foliage in autumn.
Parrotia persica

Parrotia persica, commonly known as the Persian Ironwood Tree, is a small tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours. The foliage emerges light...

From$192.51
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1
Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra'

Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra' is a striking deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its richly coloured spring flowers and compact garden form. The...

From$270.40
Acer 'Shaina' small and round trees with elegant, dark red-purple foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Shaina'

Acer palmatum 'Shaina' is a compact Japanese maple prized for its intense crimson red foliage and naturally tidy upright habit. This deciduous tree...

From$299.95
magnolia-deryk-2
Magnolia 'Deryk'

Magnolia 'Deryk' is a striking deciduous tree prized for its richly coloured spring flowers and attractive garden form. The large blooms appear...

From$387.55
Acer palmatum 'Fireglow' bright red foliage.
Acer 'Fireglow'

Acer 'Fireglow' is a striking Japanese maple prized for its brilliant deep red foliage that holds colour exceptionally well throughout the season...

From$349.95
Acer 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' is a sought-after dwarf Japanese Maple prized for its dense, layered foliage and elegant form. Its small...

From$299.95
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1
Magnolia 'Strawberry Fields'

Magnolia 'Strawberry Fields' is a striking deciduous tree prized for its richly coloured spring flowers and attractive garden form. The large blooms...

From$515.35
tilia-cordata-1
Tilia cordata

Tilia cordata (Small Leaved Lime) is a majestic deciduous tree admired for its symmetrical form, heart shaped green leaves, and highly fragrant pale...

From$515.35
prunus-pink-cloud-
Prunus 'Pink Cloud'

Prunus 'Pink Cloud' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its beautiful pink spring blossom and elegant garden form. The branches...

From$425.89
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Malus floribunda

Malus floribunda, commonly known as the Japanese Crabapple, is a beautiful deciduous ornamental tree renowned for its profusion of pink buds that...

From$515.35
magnolia-margaret-helen-
Magnolia 'Margaret Helen'

Magnolia 'Margaret Helen' is an elegant deciduous tree prized for its impressive spring flowers and attractive garden form. The large blooms appear...

From$387.55
An Acer 'Katsura' specimen tree with orange and green foliage.
Acer 'Katsura'

Acer 'Katsura' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its brilliant apricot orange spring foliage that matures to fresh green before turning vibrant...

From$299.95
magnolia-soulangeana-heaven-scent-2
Magnolia 'Heaven Scent'

Magnolia 'Heaven Scent' is an elegant deciduous tree prized for its fragrant spring flowers and attractive upright form. The large blooms appear on...

From$387.55
prunus-southern-gem-
Prunus 'Southern Gem'

Prunus 'Southern Gem' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its beautiful spring blossom and elegant garden form. The branches become...

From$387.55
carpinus-betulus-4
Carpinus betulus

Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) is a handsome deciduous tree valued for its dense leafy canopy, attractive fluted grey trunk, and brilliant golden autumn...

From$192.51
sorbus-scarlet-king-
Sorbus aucuparia 'Scarlet King'

Sorbus aucuparia 'Scarlet King' is a handsome deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, creamy white spring flowers, brilliant...

From$387.55
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
ulmus-lobel-
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
almond-all-in-one-2
Almond All in One

'All-In-One' Almond Tree is a highly popular self fertile almond variety valued for its attractive spring blossoms and reliable crops of sweet edible...

From$404.59
A colourful Ginkgo biloba specimen tree with yellow, autumn foliage.
Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as the Maidenhair Tree, is a deciduous tree grown for its form, foliage, and rich autumn colours. It produces...

From$387.55
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
ginkgo-biloba-pendula-
Ginkgo biloba Pendula

Ginkgo biloba Pendula is grown for its colourful foliage and weeping growth habit. This deciduous tree has distinctive, fan-shaped, rich green leaves...

From$387.55
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
A Quercus robur (English Oak) specimen tree.
Quercus robur

Quercus robur, commonly known as the English Oak tree or Pedunculate Oak, is a large and stately, deciduous tree. This Oak tree typically grows to 25...

From$270.40
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry) tree with masses of black berries.
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry)

Aristotelia serrata, commonly known as Wineberry or Makomako, is a fast-growing, deciduous native tree of New Zealand. It features serrated green...

From$22.01
fraxinus-green-glow-
Fraxinus 'Green Glow'

Fraxinus 'Green Glow' is an attractive deciduous tree valued for its fresh green foliage, upright form, and dependable seasonal structure. The leafy...

From$511.09
A large Tilia platyphyllos tree in a park.
Tilia platyphyllos

Tilia platyphyllos (Large-Leaved Linden) is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its large heart shaped leaves, fragrant pale yellow flowers, and...

From$515.35
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
zelkova-serrata-
Zelkova serrata

Zelkova serrata is an impressive deciduous tree valued for its graceful branching, attractive green foliage, and colourful autumn display. The finely...

From$323.65
Acer 'Asahi Zuru'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Magnolia, and Parrotia, or related Categories - Deciduous Trees, Flowering Cherry Tree, and Flowering Plums.

Search small deciduous trees

Why Choose Small Deciduous Trees?

Small deciduous trees suit a wide range of landscapes, adding charm without overpowering their surroundings. Their modest height—usually between 3 to 6 metres—makes maintenance easier and allows you to enjoy changing colours at eye level. In addition, deciduous varieties bring seasonal shade in summer and sunlight in winter. They’re perfect for mixed borders, courtyard planting, or as spectacular lawn specimens.

Top Picks for Small Deciduous Trees

There is plenty of choice when selecting small deciduous trees for your garden. Consider these favourites:

Planting and Caring for Small Deciduous Trees

Small deciduous trees tend to be adaptable and low-maintenance, but a little care goes a long way. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-drained soil. Dig in compost to enrich planting holes, water regularly during their first year, and mulch to retain moisture. Prune after flowering or in winter to shape the canopy and remove damaged branches, ensuring strong growth.

For more inspiration, explore our range of small deciduous trees that suit your New Zealand garden. With proper selection and care, these petite beauties will provide lasting colour, shade, and seasonal interest.

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.
Alcantarea imperialis 'Rubra' and Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) are classic choices, but adventurous gardeners will enjoy Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross', Dianella tasmanica, and Citrus australasica.
–The Plant Company

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