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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 '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 autumn. The glossy foliage is dark green and contrasts perfectly with the flowers. As autumn progresses, the leaves develop impressive shades of red and purple before falling. It grows with a broad and spreading crown to about 5 m tall and 6 m wide. Cornus National is commonly grown as a specimen and is excellent for including in a mixed planting, using in avenue plantings, or including in a cottage garden.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: 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$340.69
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 '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
Metrosideros kermadecensis 'variegata' red flowers and variegated foliage.
Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa)

Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Variegata' is a striking NZ native shrub or small tree admired for its glossy green leaves edged with creamy variegation...

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$383.29
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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$387.55
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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$340.69
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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$536.65
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$270.40
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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$340.69
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
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
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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...

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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$22.01
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...

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

From$425.89
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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$19.25
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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...

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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...

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Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

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Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
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Cornus 'Cloud 9'

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acacia, Acer, Agonis, Cedrela, Cercis, Cornus, Dacrydium, Hoheria, Kunzea, Laurelia, Liriodendron, Melia, Metrosideros, Michelia, Pear, Pittosporum, Podocarpus, Sophora Sorbus and Tilia, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Plant Guards, Pear Trees, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees Evergreen 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.

Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood) and Duranta Geisha Girl have stood the test of time, but new generations of gardeners are discovering Phormium 'Emerald Gem', Agapanthus 'Sarah', and Carex virgata.
–The Plant Company

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