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specimen trees for landscaping

Specimen trees for landscaping are the visual showstoppers of any garden, park, or outdoor space. These trees are chosen for their striking foliage, beautiful blossoms, unique shapes, or fascinating bark, and serve as a focal point in your landscape design. Including a well-chosen specimen tree not only adds instant impact but can also increase property value, enhance biodiversity, and provide welcome shade throughout the year. At our New Zealand nursery, we offer a curated selection of specimen trees for landscaping—perfect for homeowners, landscape designers, and anyone passionate about creating memorable green spaces.

A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.

Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen species is renowned for its attractive dark green foliage and fleshy red seed cones that attract native birds such as kererū.

From $408.85

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 25.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy, Wet
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Forestry, Native
sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant Redwood) is one of the world’s most impressive and majestic conifer trees, valued for its towering growth habit, rich green foliage, and remarkable longevity. This iconic tree creates an outstanding feature in large New Zealand landscapes, parks, and lifestyle properties where space allows for its grand scale.

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 60.00 m
Spread: 20.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Forestry, Mediterranean
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
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
metasequoia-glyptostroboides-3
Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood) is a magnificent deciduous conifer admired for its soft feathery foliage, elegant pyramidal shape, and...

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
nyssa-sinensis-6
Nyssa sinensis

Nyssa sinensis (Chinese Tupelo) is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its graceful form, glossy green foliage, and spectacular autumn colour. As...

From$404.59
fagus-sylvatica-purpurea-1
Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea'

Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea', commonly known as the Copper Beech Tree, grows as a stately, deciduous tree with a broad and spreading crown of...

From$387.55
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
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
An Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) specimen tree in autumn with orange foliage.
Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)

Acer saccharum, commonly known as the Sugar Maple, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its bright autumn foliage and fabled maple syrup. The leaves...

From$249.95
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
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
tilia-europaea-3
Tilia europaea

Tilia europaea (Linden Tree) is a majestic deciduous shade tree admired for its broad canopy, heart shaped green leaves, fragrant summer flowers, and...

From$383.29
prunus-felix-jury-
Prunus 'Felix Jury'

Prunus 'Felix Jury' is a stunning flowering cherry renowned for its spectacular display of large double pink blossoms in spring. The abundant flowers...

From$494.05
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
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
quercus-canariensis-2
Quercus canariensis

Quercus canariensis is a magnificent deciduous oak admired for its broad spreading canopy, lush green foliage, and impressive golden brown autumn...

From$270.40
fraxinus-green-glow-
Fraxinus 'Green Glow'

Fraxinus 'Green Glow' is an attractive deciduous tree valued for its fresh green foliage, upright form, and dependable seasonal structure. The leafy...

From$511.09
schinus-molle-3
Schinus molle (Peruvian Peppercorn)

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping branches, fine textured foliage, and attractive...

From$281.05
quercus-ellipsoidalis-3
Quercus ellipsoidalis

Quercus ellipsoidalis (Northern Pin Oak) is a hardy deciduous oak valued for its strong upright form, glossy green foliage, and brilliant red to...

From$270.40
magnolia-vulcan-
Magnolia 'Vulcan'

Magnolia 'Vulcan' is an iconic deciduous magnolia bred in New Zealand and celebrated for its spectacular large deep crimson red flowers that appear...

From$270.40
Hoheria 'Alba Variegata' variegated foliage with white flowers.
Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata'

Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata' is a striking NZ native tree prized for its distinctive foliage and seasonal displays. This evergreen variety...

From$494.05
Fagus sylvatica (European Beech) specimen tree with emerging green foliage.
Fagus sylvatica

Fagus sylvatica, commonly known as the Common Beech or European Beech, is a large, deciduous tree that grows with a broad, spreading crown. The...

From$192.51
acer-platanoides-4
Acer platanoides

Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) is a large deciduous tree prized for its broad canopy, dense shade, and attractive seasonal colour. The lush green...

From$249.95
A large Tilia platyphyllos tree in a park.
Tilia platyphyllos

Tilia platyphyllos (Large-Leaved Linden) is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its large heart shaped leaves, fragrant pale yellow flowers, and...

From$515.35
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
zelkova-serrata-
Zelkova serrata

Zelkova serrata is an impressive deciduous tree valued for its graceful branching, attractive green foliage, and colourful autumn display. The finely...

From$323.65
Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.
Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)

Nestegis montana is a hardy and attractive native tree of New Zealand, known for its upright growth habit and glossy green foliage. This evergreen...

From$270.40
carpinus-betulus-4
Carpinus betulus

Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) is a handsome deciduous tree valued for its dense leafy canopy, attractive fluted grey trunk, and brilliant golden autumn...

From$192.51
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

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
Prumnopitys ferruginea

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Fagus, Malus, and Melia, or related Categories - Crabapples, Deciduous Trees, and Evergreen Trees.

Search specimen trees for landscaping

What Are Specimen Trees?

A specimen tree is typically a single, standout tree intentionally placed to highlight its natural qualities. These trees are often used solo on a lawn, at garden entrances, or in courtyards to draw the eye and anchor the overall design. When selecting specimen trees for landscaping, it’s essential to consider size, form, evergreen or deciduous status, and seasonal interest, all while choosing species that thrive in New Zealand’s varied climate.

Outstanding Specimen Trees for New Zealand Gardens

Many trees are suitable as specimens, offering different visual effects and benefits. Here are a few outstanding options from our range:

How to Use Specimen Trees in Your Landscape

The placement of specimen trees for landscaping is vital for achieving maximum impact. These trees are often best featured on open lawns, as a centrepiece in a formal layout, or to break up large expanses of space. Use them to frame views, provide seasonal colour, or create living sculptures within your design. Consider underplanting with groundcovers or contrasting shrubs to further highlight the tree’s silhouette and texture.

Choose Your Specimen Tree Today

Selecting the right specimen trees for landscaping can transform any outdoor area into a living masterpiece. Explore our nursery’s wide selection and get expert advice to find the perfect tree for your property. Whether you favour native favourites like Prumnopitys ferruginea and Alectryon excelsus, or striking exotics like Fagus sylvatica Purpurea, you'll find inspiration for every landscape. Start creating a memorable garden with a showstopping specimen tree from our trusted New Zealand nursery.

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.
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–The Plant Company

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