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small japanese evergreen trees

Small Japanese evergreen trees are the perfect solution for New Zealand gardeners seeking structure, year-round colour, and a touch of elegance in compact spaces. Whether you’re designing an Asian-inspired courtyard or just want reliable, easy-care evergreens, these trees offer beauty and versatility without outgrowing their welcome. Their lush green foliage and tidy forms provide a soothing backdrop for seasonal flowers and add texture to your landscape, all while being suited to smaller gardens, patios, or even containers.

A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.

Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly)

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Ilex crenata 'Convexa' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its small glossy dark green leaves and naturally dense growth habit. Often used as an alternative to buxus, this hardy plant provides year round structure and neat formality in New Zealand gardens. Its fine textured foliage and excellent response to clipping make it ideal for hedging, topiary, borders, and formal garden designs. Ilex crenata 'Convexa' thrives in a wide range of conditions and offers reliable evergreen beauty with low maintenance appeal throughout the year.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock, White
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 foliage turns rich shades of red and orange, creating a spectacular garden display. This small deciduous tree brings elegance and colour to NZ gardens year-round, thriving in sheltered areas where it adds a touch of tranquillity and refined beauty.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.50 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
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Acer palmatum Atropurpureum elegant specimen tree.
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Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' tree in a garden.
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Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' (Bloodgood Japanese Maple) is one of the most reliable and popular Japanese maples, valued for its deep red foliage and...

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Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor' specimen tree in a mixed planting.
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Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

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A Ficus hillii (Evergreen Fig) specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
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Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

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Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Ilex, and Juniperus, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Evergreen Shrubs, and Magnolia Trees.

Search small japanese evergreen trees

Why Choose Small Japanese Evergreen Trees?

Ideal for both formal and informal gardens, small Japanese evergreen trees are popular choices for low hedges, focal points, or mass planting. Unlike deciduous trees, these evergreens retain their foliage all year, delivering consistent colour and structure through every season. They thrive in New Zealand’s varied climates and are often low-maintenance, disease-resistant, and adaptable to different soils.

Outstanding Varieties for NZ Gardens

Several outstanding species and cultivars stand out among small Japanese evergreen trees, offering different shapes, leaf textures, and shades of green.

Design Ideas and Planting Tips

Small Japanese evergreen trees are ideal for framing entrances, edging pathways, and creating privacy in urban gardens. Combine them with ornamental grasses like Lomandra Evergreen Baby for contrasting texture and an effortless, modern effect. Consider planting them in decorative pots for terrace feature plants or use them to anchor a mixed border. When planning your garden, allow each tree enough space to showcase its unique form and prune regularly to maintain your desired size and shape.

Creating Tranquility in Your Garden

Incorporating small Japanese evergreen trees is a wonderful way to introduce calm, structure, and timeless beauty to any New Zealand outdoor space. With inspired varieties like Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly), Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor), and Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia), you can create your own tranquil oasis, no matter how large or small your garden might be.


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–The Plant Company

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