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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.

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Syzygium australe

Syzygium australe, commonly known as Lily Pily, is a popular evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy foliage, colourful new growth, and dense growth habit. This versatile Australian native adds year round structure, privacy, and texture to gardens throughout New Zealand.

From $344.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 8.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Daphniphyllum macropodum

Daphniphyllum macropodum is an impressive evergreen shrub or small tree grown for its lush, glossy green foliage and attractive architectural form. The large leathery leaves provide year round interest and create a tropical appearance without requiring a warm climate.

From $366.25

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
A Michelia figo (Port Wine Magnolia) plant with pink blushed flowers and dark green foliage.
Michelia figo

Michelia figo, commonly known as the Port Wine Magnolia, is a compact evergreen tree prized for its delightfully fragrant, cream-white flowers and...

From$65.55
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$589.90
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
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
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$387.55
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
Michelia 'Paton Pink' flowers on a stem.
Michelia 'Paton Pink'

Michelia 'Paton Pink' is a stunning evergreen tree known for its profusion of fragrant, blush pink flowers in early spring. The blossoms appear among...

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
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$270.40
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$270.40
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
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
A Liquidambar 'Gumball' tree with fabulous autumn colours.
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball'

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

From$387.55
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
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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$515.35
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
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
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 '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
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
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$323.65
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
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
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$30.29
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
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
macadamia-gt205-
Macadamia 'GT205'

Macadamia 'GT205' is a productive macadamia variety valued for its excellent nut quality and reliable crops. The tree develops dense glossy green...

From$323.65
Syzygium australe

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Azara, Daphniphyllum, and Laurelia, or related Categories - 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 Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) and Schefflera arboricola, but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Pyrostegia venusta (Flame Vine), Betula utilis 'Jacquemontii', and Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai)?
–The Plant Company

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