Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

small dogwood tree

A small dogwood tree is the perfect solution for anyone seeking a beautiful, compact ornamental tree for a New Zealand garden. Dogwoods are famed for their delicate spring blossoms, attractive summer foliage, and showy autumn colour, all in a manageable size that works for smaller spaces, urban sections, or as a striking feature in mixed borders. With a range of varieties offering different styles and colours, there's a small dogwood tree to suit every garden vision.

A Cornus 'Cloud 9' specimen tree with masses of white flowers.

Cornus 'Cloud 9'

Cornus 'Cloud 9' produces masses of showy, single, white flowers through spring, which are followed by clusters of red fruit in autumn. The foliage comprises lush, dark green leaves that develop colourful shades of red in autumn before falling. It typically grows with a rounded shape to 3 m tall and the same width.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Cornus 'Milky Way' specimen tree covered in masses of white flowers.

Cornus kousa 'Milky Way'

Cornus kousa 'Milky Way' features large and showy, white flowers that adorn the tree in spring and are followed by red berries in autumn. The glossy foliage is dark green and contrasts perfectly with the flowers. As autumn progresses, the leaves develop impressive shades of red before falling.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Cornus alba 'Sibirica' new spring foliage with white flowers.
Cornus alba 'Sibirica'

Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’, commonly known as Siberian Dogwood, is a striking deciduous shrub ideal for New Zealand gardens. It is prized for its vivid...

From$34.43
Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea' plants with yellow stems.
Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea'

Cornus stolonifera Flaviramea, commonly known as the Yellow Stem Dogwood, is a shrub that features bright yellow stems which become more pronounced...

From$270.40
Cornus 'National' specimen tree with masses of cream-coloured flowers.
Cornus kousa National

Cornus kousa 'National' is a deciduous tree that features large and showy, cream white flowers in spring, which are followed by red berries in...

From$270.40
Cornus 'Eddies White Wonder' white flowers held on trailing stems.
Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder'

Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' is a deciduous dogwood tree renowned for its impressive spring blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage. This hybrid...

From$340.69
fuscospora-solandri-
Fuscospora solandri

Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, dense canopy, and strong natural...

From$270.40
pb-three-quarter-planter-bags-
Planter Bags 3/4 (Seedling Bags)

PB 3/4 Planter Bags are a practical option for growing and establishing small plants, seedlings, shrubs, and young trees. Made for nursery and...

From$15.47
A Cornus controversa (Giant Dogwood) specimen tree.
Cornus controversa

Cornus controversa, commonly known as the Giant Dogwood, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that features lush foliage that emerges mid-green in...

From$383.29
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
Hedycarya arborea tree with lush green foliage.
Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya arborea, commonly known as Pigeonwood, is a New Zealand native tree valued for its attractive foliage and wildlife benefits. This evergreen...

From$494.05
A Liquidambar 'Gumball' tree with fabulous autumn colours.
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball'

Liquidambar 'Gumball' is a small tree grown for its form and fantastic autumn colours. This popular ornamental tree features leaves that emerge lime...

From$387.55
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.
Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$15.04
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
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
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$399.95
Elegant Michelia 'Bubbles' admisdt lush, green foliage.
Michelia 'Bubbles'

Michelia ‘Bubbles’ is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy green foliage and masses of creamy white, fragrant flowers that...

From$41.33
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
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
A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.
Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta (White Tea Tree) is a fast growing NZ native tree known for its fine foliage and masses of small white flowers that attract bees and...

From$8.97
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
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
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
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
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
malus-floribunda-
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
Laurelia novae-zelandiae

Laurelia novae-zelandiae, commonly known as Pukatea, is a magnificent NZ native tree admired for its glossy green leaves, fluted trunk, and...

From$589.90
A Michelia 'Fairy Cream' hedge with masses of cream-white flowers and glossy, green foliage.
Michelia 'Fairy Cream'

Michelia 'Fairy Cream' grows as a small and shapely tree carrying glossy, green leaves which are attractive in their own right. Velvet buds are borne...

From$136.04
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...

From$279.95
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$16.95
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
Acer 'Armstrong' bright red foliage.
Acer 'Armstrong'

Acer 'Armstrong' is a distinctive Maple grown for its narrow, upright growth habit and fabulous autumn colours. This fast-growing tree produces a...

From$299.95
Cornus 'Cloud 9'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cornus, Fuscospora, and Parrotia, or related Categories - Planter Bags, Deciduous Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees.

Search small dogwood tree

Why Choose a Small Dogwood Tree?

Small dogwood trees are ideal for gardens where space is at a premium but drama and seasonal interest are desired. Typically growing between 2 to 5 metres in height, these trees offer a graceful canopy without overwhelming their surroundings. Their manageable size makes them great choices for planting near patios, along driveways, or under power lines. Many varieties are also well-suited to container gardening, allowing homeowners or renters to enjoy their beauty even in courtyards or on terraces.

Best Small Dogwood Tree Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

There are several outstanding varieties to consider. One classic option is the Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten', a sought-after form that produces a profusion of creamy-white bracts in early spring, followed by lush green foliage and striking autumn tones. Another popular selection is the Cornus 'Cloud 9', loved for its large, pure white flowers and broad, layered branching system that creates an elegant, cloud-like effect in the landscape.

For something with an extra touch of the exotic, the Cornus kousa 'Milky Way' dazzles with star-shaped white bracts, followed by red summer berries and deepening autumn colours. Each of these varieties has been chosen for their reliable performance, disease resistance, and stunning seasonal displays.

Dogwoods for Colourful Borders and Shrubs

If you're looking to complement your small dogwood tree with other Cornus species, consider vibrant shrub dogwoods that thrive in New Zealand conditions. The Cornus alba 'Sibirica' brings vivid red winter stems that create a dramatic contrast with its green summer foliage, making it a standout in mixed borders. Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea' features striking yellow stems for a cheerful dash of colour through the colder months. Paired with a small dogwood tree, these shrubs extend the display and add textural variety throughout the year.

Care Tips for a Healthy Small Dogwood Tree

Dogwoods are generally low-maintenance, but they appreciate a spot with rich, well-drained soil and regular moisture, especially when young. Site your tree where it gets morning sun and shelter from harsh afternoon rays to prevent leaf scorch. Mulching helps keep roots cool and conserves moisture.

A small dogwood tree is a long-lived investment in your garden's beauty, bringing four seasons of interest and elegance to any landscape. Browse our selection of premium varieties, including Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten', Cornus 'Cloud 9', and Cornus kousa 'Milky Way' to find your ideal small dogwood tree today.


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.

Sure, Corokia 'Mangatangi' and Ficus benjamina are crowd-pleasers, but Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern), Leptospermum 'Martini', and Phylica pubescens are quietly making a name for themselves.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

463 Google reviews