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small evergreen trees for landscaping

Looking to create year-round structure and beauty in your outdoor space? Small evergreen trees for landscaping offer the perfect solution, providing lush foliage and privacy without overshadowing your garden. Whether you want a striking focal point or a low-maintenance hedge, these compact evergreens thrive in Kiwi gardens, offering versatility and effortless colour all year long.

A Michelia figo (Port Wine Magnolia) plant with pink blushed flowers and dark green foliage.

Michelia figo

5 from 2 customers

Michelia figo, commonly known as the Port Wine Magnolia, is a compact evergreen tree prized for its delightfully fragrant, cream-white flowers and glossy foliage. Ideal for hedging, screening, or as a specimen tree, it brings year-round beauty and subtle perfume to New Zealand gardens.

From $65.55

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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 variety provides year round structure and colour while requiring very little maintenance, making it ideal for modern landscapes and smaller gardens.

From $102.84

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock
daphniphyllum-macropodum-3
Daphniphyllum macropodum

Daphniphyllum macropodum is an impressive evergreen shrub or small tree grown for its lush, glossy green foliage and attractive architectural form...

From$366.25
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
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
A large and showy Quercus ilex specimen tree in a field.
Quercus ilex

Quercus ilex, commonly known as the Holm Oak or Evergreen Oak, is an evergreen tree with lush foliage. The dark green leaves are glossy and...

From$279.95
Prunus 'Jim's Delight' rose pink flowers on a tree.
Prunus 'Jim's Delight'

Prunus 'Jim's Delight' is a stunning flowering cherry renowned for its spectacular spring blossoms and vibrant seasonal foliage. This small deciduous...

From$349.95
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
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
fraxinus-griffithii-3
Fraxinus griffithii

Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash) is a fast growing evergreen tree valued for its glossy foliage and neat upright form. It is well suited to New...

From$35.81
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
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 '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
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
olive-ascolano-
Olive 'Ascolano'

Olive 'Ascolano' is an evergreen olive tree valued for its large table olives and attractive silver green foliage. The fruit has a generous...

From$34.43
Laurus nobilis foliage and flowers.
Laurus nobilis

Laurus nobilis, commonly known as Sweet Bay Tree or Bay Laurel, is a versatile evergreen tree prized for its aromatic leaves and classic form. It...

From$34.43
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4
Fuscospora cliffortioides

Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, natural form, and strong...

From$270.40
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
podocarpus-henkelii-1
Podocarpus henkelii (Yellowwood)

Podocarpus henkelii (Henkel Yellowwood) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping foliage, stately form, and year round appeal...

From$270.40
A Laurus nobilis 'Angustifolia' small specimen tree in a garden.
Laurus nobilis angustifolia

Laurus nobilis angustifolia is a variety of Laurel grown for its compact growth habit and elegant foliage. This evergreen tree features lush, dark...

From$202.44
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
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
Alnus jorullensis lush green foliage.
Alnus jorullensis

Alnus jorullensis (Evergreen Alder, Mexican Alder) is a fast growing and versatile tree that performs superbly in many New Zealand landscapes. It is...

From$165.51
podocarpus-gracilior-
Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) is an elegant evergreen tree valued for its fine textured foliage, graceful form, and versatility in the landscape...

From$270.40
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

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

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
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
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
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
betula-jacquemontii-dazzler-3
Betula 'Jacquemontii Dazzler' (Himalayan Birch)

Betula 'Jacquemontii Dazzler' is an outstanding ornamental birch renowned for its exceptionally bright white bark and refined upright form. The...

From$383.29
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
dichroa-blue-stars--1
Dichroa 'Blue Stars' (Evergreen Hydrangea)

Dichroa 'Blue Stars' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its clusters of intense blue star shaped flowers followed by brilliant metallic blue...

From$30.29
Michelia figo

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Azara, Daphniphyllum, and Fraxinus, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, Evergreen Trees, and Flowering Cherry Tree.

Search small evergreen trees for landscaping

Why Choose Small Evergreen Trees for Landscaping?

Small evergreen trees for landscaping are prized for their modest size, making them ideal for urban yards, narrow borders, and even large pots. They provide essential shelter for birds, help filter wind, and can hide unwanted views. Unlike their larger counterparts, small evergreens fit perfectly into modern landscapes, cottage gardens, and even formal designs, blending seamlessly with both native and exotic plantings.

Top Picks for Small Evergreen Trees

When selecting small evergreen trees for landscaping in New Zealand, it’s important to consider growth rate, shape, and foliage colour. Here are some popular choices that perform beautifully in a variety of settings:

Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor)

A favourite among gardeners, the Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor) grows into a compact, upright tree with large, glossy green leaves and stunning creamy-white flowers in summer. Its moderate height makes it an excellent choice for boundaries and accent planting.

Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle)

For a fast-growing, graceful look, Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle) is hard to beat. Its pendulous branches and soft, evergreen foliage create a serene effect. It’s particularly useful for screening, informal hedges, or adding fine texture to your garden design.

Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris)

The Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris) produces striking, dark green leaves with a bronze underside and showy, fragrant blooms. Compact in form, Kay Parris excels as a feature plant or structured backdrop in mixed plantings, offering evergreen elegance all year.

Laurelia novae-zelandiae

If you favour a uniquely New Zealand touch, Laurelia novae-zelandiae (Pukatea) is a small native tree that offers lush, glossy foliage and impressive resilience. Its tidy growth habit makes it ideal for native garden designs or as part of a sustainable landscape.

Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Perfect for tight spaces or for creating neat, evergreen borders, Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum) is a dense, rounded shrub that holds its shape with minimal pruning. Its compact size allows it to fit in almost anywhere, making it a favourite among landscapers and home gardeners alike.

Getting the Most Out of Your Small Evergreen Trees

To thrive, small evergreen trees for landscaping require well-drained soil, regular mulching, and a sunny to partially shaded position. Once established, most are drought-tolerant and easy to care for with occasional pruning to maintain their shape and size.

Ready to transform your garden? Explore our diverse selection of small evergreen trees for landscaping and discover unique plants that will keep your landscape vibrant and inviting in every season.

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.
You’ve probably heard of our garden favourites like Corokia 'Geenty's Green' and Heuchera 'Peppermint Spice', but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Feijoa 'Arhart', Camellia 'Cinnamon Cindy', and Blackberry 'Thornless Jewel'?
–The Plant Company

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