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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.

From $279.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Cornus 'Spring Song' rose-pink flowers.

Cornus florida 'Spring Song'

Cornus florida 'Spring Song' is a deciduous shrub grown for its colourful flowering in spring. At this time, masses of showy, rose-pink flowers are borne just as the foliage emerges. The glossy, young leaves are green with bronze overtones and quickly age to become dark green.

From $349.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
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$279.95
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$349.95
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$24.95
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$279.95
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$349.95
Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo) olive-green foliage and red flowers.
Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)

Pittosporum crassifolium, commonly known as Karo, is a hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. It features dense, grey-green...

From$22.01
A Liquidambar 'Gumball' tree with fabulous autumn colours.
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball'

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

From$387.55
Lagerstroemia 'De Puard' cluster of light pink flowers.
Lagerstroemia 'De Puard'

Lagerstroemia 'De Puard' is an attractive crepe myrtle valued for its soft coloured summer flowers and well balanced upright form. Flowering through...

From$30.29
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$399.95
Full sized Pseudopanax ferox (Fierce Lancewood) at four years old.
Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood)

Pseudopanax ferox, commonly known as Fierce or Toothed Lancewood, is a NZ native tree that features interesting juvenile and mature forms. The...

From$270.40
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
A Cornus kousa 'Satomi' specimen tree with masses of elegant pink flowers.
Cornus kousa 'Satomi'

Cornus kousa 'Satomi' is a small and popular, deciduous tree that features masses of large and showy, pink flowers in spring, which are followed by...

From$279.95
A small Cornus kousa 'China Girl' specimen tree with masses of white flowers against green foliage.
Cornus kousa 'China Girl'

Cornus kousa 'China Girl' is a small and popular, deciduous tree with large and showy, white flowers that adorn the tree in spring and are followed...

From$349.95
pittosporum-small-ball-
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$102.84
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
A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.
Sophora chathamica

Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is a stunning New Zealand native tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring...

From$323.65
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 '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
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
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
carpodetus-serratus-4
Carpodetus serratus

Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host...

From$298.09
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 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
Laurelia novae-zelandiae (Pukatea) trees for sale at The Plant Company.
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$71.69
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
Acer 'Shidava Gold' small tree with lush, green and yellow foliage.
Acer 'Shidava Gold'

Acer 'Shidava Gold' is a bright and elegant Japanese maple valued for its golden yellow foliage that brings light and contrast to garden spaces. This...

From$349.95
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
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
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
Cornus 'Cloud 9'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cornus, Lagerstroemia, and Liquidambar, or related Categories - Deciduous Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, and Evergreen Trees.

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.

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.
Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' and Cereus tetragonus have stood the test of time, but new generations of gardeners are discovering Fraxinus ornus, Apple 'Granny Smith', and Platanus acerifolia.
–The Plant Company

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