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small dogwood tree nz

Searching for the perfect small dogwood tree NZ gardeners adore? If you want stunning flowers, attractive foliage, and manageable size, a dogwood tree can be an excellent addition to your garden. Small dogwood varieties are ideal for tight spaces, suburban yards, or even as decorative accent trees. Their dramatic spring blossoms and graceful shape make them one of the most sought-after ornamental trees in New Zealand. Discover how to select and grow the right dogwood, explore top cultivar options, and see how these versatile trees can enhance your landscape.

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 '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
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 '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
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
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
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Podocarpus laetus (Mountain Totara)

Podocarpus laetus, commonly known as Mountain Totara, is an elegant NZ native tree that features small leaves which are held somewhat densely off...

From$343.89
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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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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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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...

From$343.89
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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
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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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
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...

From$33.68
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$158.89
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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...

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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$18.83
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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
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
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

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$24.23
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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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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
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...

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...

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Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

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Tree Guards (Tree Guards)

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Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.

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Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

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Cornus 'Cloud 9'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Cedrela, Cercis, Cornus, Crassula, Dacrydium, Hoheria, Laurelia, Ligularia, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Metrosideros, Pear, Phyllocladus, Pittosporum, Podocarpus, Sequoiadendron, Sophora Sorbus and Tilia, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Plant Guards, Pear Trees, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search small dogwood tree nz

Why Choose a Small Dogwood Tree for Your NZ Garden?

Dogwoods are valued for their four-season appeal: eye-catching spring flowers, lush summer leaves, striking autumn colour, and sculptural winter form. In New Zealand’s temperate climate, small dogwoods thrive with proper care and provide a bold yet elegant garden feature without dominating the space. Even more, they’re resilient, tolerate cooler conditions, and are generally happy in part shade or dappled sun.

A small dogwood tree NZ homeowners can plant will typically reach between 2–5 metres. This suits compact lawns, urban courtyards, or as part of a mixed border where you don’t want a towering specimen. They complement low-maintenance landscaping and bring birds and pollinators to your garden.

Best Small Dogwood Trees for NZ—Featured Varieties

Finding the right cultivar is key. If you’re shopping for a small dogwood tree NZ gardeners will appreciate, consider these popular options:

For a unique shrub-form dogwood, Cornus alba 'Sibirica' offers vivid red stems in winter, adding contrast and interest alongside other trees.

How to Grow a Small Dogwood Tree in New Zealand

Dogwoods prefer a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade; well-drained but moisture-retentive soil enables healthy growth. Incorporate organic matter when planting and water regularly during establishment. Mulch yearly to protect roots and retain moisture. Pruning is rarely needed—simply remove dead or crossing branches in late winter.

Feeding with a slow-release fertiliser in early spring boosts blossoming. Mulches help keep root zones cool, which dogwoods appreciate during NZ’s warmer months. For most small dogwood trees, protection from harsh winds and frosts gives best results.

Landscape Uses for Dogwoods

Small dogwood trees shine as specimen plants, underplantings, or even as the centrepiece of mixed borders. Their layered branching adds depth, while their flowers and foliage anchor garden designs across the seasons. Pair with evergreens, perennials, or other flowering trees for dynamic, year-round impact.

If you're inspired to bring a small dogwood tree NZ gardeners love into your own landscape, explore our nursery's range—including standout picks like Cornus 'Cloud 9' and Cornus kousa National—to enjoy timeless beauty in a compact package.


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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.

Gardenia Veitchii and Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) have stood the test of time, but new generations of gardeners are discovering Aspidistra lurida, Acer 'Armstrong', and Azalea 'Mrs Kint Red'.
–The Plant Company

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