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standard evergreen trees for small gardens

Standard evergreen trees for small gardens are an exceptional way to add year-round structure, lush greenery, and instant elegance to compact outdoor spaces. Whether you want to frame an entrance, create a formal focal point, or simply enjoy low-maintenance beauty, these trees offer the perfect solution for smaller suburban or urban gardens across New Zealand. Choosing the right varieties can make all the difference in maximising impact while minimising space, so you can transform even the tiniest courtyard into a sanctuary of green.

A well trimmed Ficus Tuffy hedge with lush green foliage.

Ficus Tuffi

5 from 4 customers

Ficus 'Tuffi', also known as Ficus Tuffy, is a dense, upright evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for hedging and screening. It features glossy, deep green foliage and a naturally compact, columnar form that responds well to trimming. Growing 2–3 m tall and 1–1.5 m wide, it creates a tidy, formal appearance in gardens and landscapes.

From $12.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening, Topiary
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
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 green leaves that are aromatic when crushed. Flowers produced in spring are pale yellow-green and result in small, glossy, black berries as it grows to 5 m tall and 4 m wide.

From $202.44

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Culinary, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, White
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$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
Michelia yunnanensis white flowers and glossy, green foliage.
Michelia yunnanensis

Michelia yunnanensis is a compact, evergreen tree renowned for its glossy, green leaves and highly fragrant, white flowers, which bloom from late...

From$270.40
A Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' tree with masses of cream-white flowers amidst glossy green foliage.
Michelia 'Velvet and Cream'

Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' is a compact, evergreen tree admired for its glossy, dark green foliage and fragrant, creamy white flowers that bloom...

From$34.43
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
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
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
Michelia 'Fairy Blush' flowers tinged with pink amidst lush, dark green foliage.
Michelia 'Fairy Blush'

Michelia 'Fairy Blush' is a compact, evergreen tree admired for its glossy, dark green foliage and fragrant, lilac-pink flowers that bloom from late...

From$136.04
Michelia 'Fairy White' white flowers with lush, green foliage.
Michelia 'Fairy White'

Michelia 'Fairy White' is a compact evergreen tree admired for its glossy dark green foliage and fragrant pure white flowers that bloom from late...

From$136.04
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
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
Michelia 'Inspiration' white flowers and dark green foliage.
Michelia 'Inspiration'

Michelia 'Inspiration' is a compact evergreen tree admired for its glossy dark green foliage and fragrant white flowers that bloom from late winter...

From$34.43
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
eucryphia-cordifolia--1
Eucryphia cordifolia

Eucryphia cordifolia (Ulmo) is a magnificent evergreen tree renowned for its glossy foliage and masses of fragrant white flowers that appear from...

From$408.85
magnolia-grandiflora-kay-parris-
Magnolia 'Kay Parris'

Magnolia 'Kay Parris' is an elegant evergreen tree prized for its glossy foliage, compact growth habit, and impressive creamy white flowers. The...

From$387.55
magnolia-grandiflora-ferruginea-2
Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea'

Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea' is a magnificent evergreen magnolia known for its glossy green foliage, striking rusty brown leaf undersides, and...

From$515.35
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
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
Metrosideros 'Maungapiko' specimen tree covered in red flowers.
Metrosideros 'Maungapiko'

Metrosideros ‘Maungapiko’ is a compact New Zealand native pohutukawa cultivar valued for its dense habit, glossy green foliage, and vivid red summer...

From$255.51
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
A Ficus hillii (Evergreen Fig) specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Ficus Hillii (Australian Banyan)

Ficus hillii (Evergreen Fig, Hill's Fig) is a fast growing evergreen tree valued for its dense glossy green foliage and excellent screening ability...

From$12.95
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
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
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
'Meyer' Lemon yellow fruit.
Lemon 'Meyer'

The ‘Meyer’ Lemon is a much-loved citrus variety known for its sweeter, less acidic flavour compared to standard lemons. The thin-skinned fruit is...

From$29.95
magnolia-margaret-helen-
Magnolia 'Margaret Helen'

Magnolia 'Margaret Helen' is an elegant deciduous tree prized for its impressive spring flowers and attractive garden form. The large blooms appear...

From$387.55
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
magnolia-campbellii-charles-raffill-2
Magnolia 'Charles Raffill'

Magnolia 'Charles Raffill' is an impressive deciduous tree prized for its spectacular spring flowers and handsome garden form. The large blooms...

From$515.35
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
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
Ficus Tuffi

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Ficus, Laurus, and Michelia, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

Search standard evergreen trees

Why Choose Standard Evergreen Trees for Small Gardens?

Standard evergreen trees are specially trained to have a clear stem with a rounded or shaped canopy, making them ideal for small gardens where space is at a premium. Their neat, upright habit allows you to maintain open sight lines and usable planting space below. Because these trees retain their foliage year-round, they provide consistent colour and structure even in winter, ensuring your garden always looks inviting.

Best Varieties of Standard Evergreen Trees

Our New Zealand climate is ideally suited to a superb range of standard evergreen trees, many of which are perfectly proportioned for smaller gardens. Some top picks include:

How to Use Standard Evergreen Trees in Small Gardens

Standard evergreens can be planted directly into the ground or grown in large containers, making them highly adaptable for patios, balconies, or awkward corners. Use a pair to frame a pathway, doorstep, or gate for a formal look, or group several for an attractive evergreen screen that won't take over your garden. They also work beautifully as accent plants in mixed borders, or along fences where vertical interest is needed.

Care Tips for Standard Evergreen Trees

To get the best from your standard evergreen trees for small gardens, choose a position with good light and shelter from strong winds. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, and annual feeding in spring will keep your trees healthy and vibrant. Prune lightly to maintain their shape and remove any lower shoots, ensuring a tidy trunk and a neat, rounded canopy.

By selecting the right standard evergreen trees for small gardens, you can make a big impact in even the smallest outdoor spaces. Our range includes beautiful and practical options like Michelia Princess Cleopatra, Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor), and Michelia doltsopa Silver Cloud—perfect for elevating your garden design, one small space at a time.

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.
Coprosma acerosa and Photinia 'Red Robin' are tried and true, but new favourites like Prunus 'Pink Perfection', Isolepis cernua (Scirpus cernua), and Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea) are just waiting to be discovered.
–The Plant Company

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