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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. Cornus 'Cloud 9 'makes for an excellent specimen and is great for including in mixed plantings, for lining an entranceway, or maintaining in a courtyard garden.

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 'Elizabeth Lustgarten' specimen tree with masses of white flowers.

Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten'

Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten' features large and showy, white flowers during spring and summer, which are followed by red berries in autumn. It grows with an upright, multi-trunked habit and carries pendulous branches with leaves that are dark green and that develop shades of red in autumn before falling. It typically grows to 3 m tall and 2.5 m wide. Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten' makes for an excellent specimen tree and is great for including in mixed plantings, lining an entranceway, using in a cottage garden, or maintaining in a courtyard garden.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
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...

From$343.89
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$33.68
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$299.92
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$299.92
robinia-umbraculifera-

Robinia pseudoacacia Umbraculifera

Robinia pseudoacacia Umbraculifera is a small, deciduous tree that grows as a dense ball of soft-looking, very aesthetic foliage. The leaves emerge a...

From$432.79
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$343.89
cercis-texas-white-2

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...

From$432.79
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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$897.86
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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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Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' in a garden with lush, green foliage.

Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' (Small Leaved Ligularia)

Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' is a striking perennial valued for its bold foliage and rich garden presence. Large broad leaves form lush clumps that...

From$26.93
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...

From$432.79
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Crataegus laevigata Rosea Flore Pleno

Crataegus laevigata Rosea Flore Pleno, commonly known as the Midland Hawthorn tree, is a small, deciduous tree grown for its prolific flowering and...

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Cercis Ruby Falls (Ruby Falls)

Cercis Ruby Falls, commonly known as the Ruby Falls Redbud or Ruby Falls Eastern Redbud, is a small tree grown for its colourful foliage and...

From$299.92
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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...

From$343.89
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$343.89
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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...

From$343.89
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Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum Small Ball is a dwarf variety grown for its glossy, olive-green leaves which are held densely. This evergreen grows with a ball shape to...

From$107.05
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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.

From$28.28
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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...

From$28.28
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$25.58
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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...

From$299.92
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$97.13
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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...

From$299.92
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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$432.79
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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...

From$26.93
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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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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...

From$299.92
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$432.79
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...

From$343.89
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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...

From$299.92
Cornus 'Cloud 9'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acacia, Cedrela, Cercis, Cornus, Crassula, Crataegus, Dacrydium, Fraxinus, Ligularia, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Pear, Pittosporum, Robinia, Schefflera, Sequoiadendron, Sophora, Sorbus Styrax and Tilia, or related Categories - Pear Trees, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Magnolia 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.


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