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small specimen trees

Small specimen trees are the perfect solution for New Zealand gardens where space is limited but style is a must. Whether you’re looking to anchor a courtyard, create a focal point in your landscape, or add year-round interest to the front yard, small specimen trees deliver big impact in a compact package. These trees offer beauty, structure, and a touch of personality without overwhelming your garden. If you’re searching for the best choices, you’ll find plenty of options ideal for urban landscapes, small gardens, or feature pots. From winter-flowering wonders to vibrant foliage displays, our selection of small specimen trees helps you make the most of every square metre.

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 green in spring, darken during summer, then change to a myriad of orange-red and dark purple colours in autumn before falling.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Acer 'Shaina' small and round trees with elegant, dark red-purple foliage.

Acer palmatum 'Shaina'

5 from 1 customers

Acer palmatum 'Shaina' is a compact Japanese maple prized for its intense crimson red foliage and naturally tidy upright habit. This deciduous tree performs exceptionally well in New Zealand gardens and is ideal for feature planting in small spaces. Its rich colour holds well through spring and summer before deepening further in autumn.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Cornus 'Cherokee Chief' specimen tree with masses of pink flowers in late winter.
Cornus Cherokee Chief

Cornus 'Cherokee Chief' is a small, deciduous tree grown for its impressive flowering and attractive form. Masses of rose-red flowers are borne in...

From$270.40
A Parrotia persica (Persian Ironwood) specimen tree with colourful, orange foliage in autumn.
Parrotia persica

Parrotia persica, commonly known as the Persian Ironwood Tree, is a small tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours. The foliage emerges light...

From$192.51
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
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) fruit with yellow flesh cut in half.
Citrus australasica

Citrus australasica, commonly known as the Finger Lime or Caviar Lime, is an evergreen shrub grown for its unusual fruit, which is regarded as a food...

From$34.95
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
ulmus-parvifolia-1
Ulmus parvifolia

Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) is a graceful deciduous to semi evergreen tree admired for its elegant spreading canopy, small glossy green leaves...

From$192.51
A Michelia 'Fairy Cream' hedge with masses of cream-white flowers and glossy, green foliage.
Michelia 'Fairy Cream'

Michelia 'Fairy Cream' grows as a small and shapely tree carrying glossy, green leaves which are attractive in their own right. Velvet buds are borne...

From$136.04
A fantastic Titoki tree (Alectryon excelsus) growing as a speciment tree in an urban park.
Alectryon excelsus

Alectryon excelsus, commonly known as the Titoki tree, is a handsome New Zealand native tree valued for its lush, glossy foliage and tidy, rounded...

From$14.95
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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
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
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
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
prunus-blireiana-
Prunus blireiana

Prunus 'Blireiana' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its abundant double pink blossoms and colourful foliage. Masses of fragrant...

From$515.35
tilia-cordata-1
Tilia cordata

Tilia cordata (Small Leaved Lime) is a majestic deciduous tree admired for its symmetrical form, heart shaped green leaves, and highly fragrant pale...

From$515.35
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
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
Quercus robur 'Fastigiata' specimen trees.
Quercus robur 'Fastigiata'

Quercus robur 'Fastigiata', commonly known as the English Columnar Oak or Cypress Oak, is a deciduous tree with lovely foliage and great form. This...

From$270.40
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
malus-echtermeyer-1
Malus 'Echtermeyer'

Malus 'Echtermeyer' is a distinctive ornamental crabapple tree valued for its graceful weeping habit, masses of pink spring blossoms, attractive...

From$515.35
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
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$323.65
Malus 'Kaitoke' dark pink flowers.
Malus 'Kaitoke'

Malus 'Kaitoke' is an attractive ornamental crabapple tree valued for its abundant spring blossom, lush green foliage, colourful autumn display, and...

From$387.55
prunus-southern-gem-
Prunus 'Southern Gem'

Prunus 'Southern Gem' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its beautiful spring blossom and elegant garden form. The branches become...

From$387.55
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1
Magnolia 'Strawberry Fields'

Magnolia 'Strawberry Fields' is a striking deciduous tree prized for its richly coloured spring flowers and attractive garden form. The large blooms...

From$515.35
magnolia-deryk-2
Magnolia 'Deryk'

Magnolia 'Deryk' is a striking deciduous tree prized for its richly coloured spring flowers and attractive garden form. The large blooms appear...

From$387.55
prunus-pink-cloud-
Prunus 'Pink Cloud'

Prunus 'Pink Cloud' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its beautiful pink spring blossom and elegant garden form. The branches...

From$425.89
A colourful Ginkgo biloba specimen tree with yellow, autumn foliage.
Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as the Maidenhair Tree, is a deciduous tree grown for its form, foliage, and rich autumn colours. It produces...

From$387.55
malus-ioensis-plena-10
Malus ioensis 'Plena'

Malus ioensis 'Plena' is a stunning deciduous flowering crabapple tree admired for its masses of fragrant double pink blossom, attractive green...

From$270.40
A Quercus robur (English Oak) specimen tree.
Quercus robur

Quercus robur, commonly known as the English Oak tree or Pedunculate Oak, is a large and stately, deciduous tree. This Oak tree typically grows to 25...

From$270.40
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4
Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech)

Commonly known as Mountain Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely...

From$270.40
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Alectryon, and Citrus, or related Categories - Finger Limes, Deciduous Trees, and Evergreen Trees.

Search small specimen trees

Why Choose Small Specimen Trees?

Small specimen trees stand out for their versatility—plant them as a single showstopper or pair them to frame a pathway. Their manageable size makes maintenance easier and their roots are less likely to disturb pavements or buildings. These trees are also perfect for layering with shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers, giving your garden a lush, designed look without crowding. When carefully chosen, small specimen trees can provide architectural form, seasonal changes, and shelter for native birds and pollinators.

Top Small Specimen Trees for NZ Gardens

Robinia pseudoacacia Umbraculifera

One of our favourite small specimen trees is Robinia pseudoacacia Umbraculifera. This globe-shaped tree offers soft, feathery foliage and a rounded silhouette, making it an ideal choice for formal gardens or contemporary landscapes needing a touch of elegance.

Cercis Ruby Falls

If you’re looking for bold colour and a weeping habit, Cercis Ruby Falls (Ruby Falls) is a standout. Its heart-shaped leaves and cascading branches make it a striking focal point. In spring, it bursts into vivid pink blooms before the foliage arrives, perfect for small spaces with big aspirations.

Magnolia Amethyst Flame

Few small specimen trees match the drama of Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree). Compact in size but stunning in flower, this magnolia features deep amethyst blooms that appear before the foliage, creating a breathtaking spring display.

Cercis canadensis Texas White

For a lighter touch, Cercis canadensis Texas White offers creamy white blossoms on a compact tree. Its heart-shaped green leaves add softness through summer, making it a superb choice for courtyards and small gardens.

Acacia howittii

Native beauties like Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle) bring subtle charm and wildlife value to your landscape. This small specimen tree has delicate, dark green foliage and masses of pale yellow flowers. It’s great for screening and suits coastal or bush-style gardens.

Planting and Care Tips

Small specimen trees thrive with thoughtful placement and care. Most prefer well-drained soil, a sunny or lightly shaded spot, and regular watering, especially in the first few years. Pruning is simple—just remove dead or crossing branches to shape as needed. Protect young trees from wind and frost, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep roots cool.

Create Your Perfect Garden with Small Specimen Trees

Incorporate small specimen trees into your garden design for year-round structure and effortless beauty. Explore our full range online or in-store, and discover how these compact trees can transform your space. From easy maintenance to stunning seasonal displays, they’re the go-to choice for New Zealand gardeners looking for high impact with minimal fuss.


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.

You know Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) and Schefflera arboricola, but have you met Cornus kousa National, Leptospermum 'Wiri Linda', and Camellia Kramers Beauty? These beauties are worth a closer look.
–The Plant Company

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