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types of specimen trees

Specimen trees are the showstoppers of the garden, chosen for their striking form, stunning foliage, or seasonal interest. If you're searching for the best types of specimen trees to create a focal point in your New Zealand landscape, you've come to the right place. The right specimen can instantly elevate curb appeal, add structure, and provide year-round charm. Explore our guide to the various types of specimen trees, from delicate, lacey trees to strong architectural forms, to find the perfect standout for your outdoor space.

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 flowers, and decorative golden berries that persist into winter. It provides excellent shade during summer while adding seasonal interest to New Zealand landscapes. Suitable for larger gardens, parks, and avenue planting, Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is an impressive specimen tree that combines ornamental beauty with reliable performance.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Autumn
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese
metasequoia-glyptostroboides-3

Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood) is a magnificent deciduous conifer admired for its soft feathery foliage, elegant pyramidal shape, and brilliant bronze autumn colour. Once thought extinct, it is now a prized specimen tree for larger New Zealand gardens, parks, and lifestyle properties. Fast growing and long lived, Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood) provides outstanding seasonal interest, summer shade, and impressive landscape presence for generations.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 30.00 m
Spread: 8.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Forestry, Japanese, Modern
acer-senkaki-
Acer palmatum Senkaki (Acer Senkaki)

Acer palmatum Senkaki is a stunning Japanese Maple or Coral Bark Maple due to its striking and delicate foliage. Small, soft looking leaves emerge...

From$199.95
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Acer Brandywine (Brandywine Maple)

Acer rubrum Brandywine is an outstanding deciduous tree grown for its lovely form and striking autumn colours. It features lush, mid-green foliage...

From$299.95
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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
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Fraxinus Green Glow

Fraxinus Green Glow is a variety of Ash grown for its rich and colourful foliage. This deciduous tree produces dense and lush, bright green foliage...

From$511.09
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Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$349.95
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
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
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1
Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$270.40
acer-esk-sunset-
Acer Esk Sunset (Eskimo Sunset Maple)

Acer pseudoplatanus Esk Sunset, commonly known as the Eskimo Sunset Sycamore Maple, is grown for its rich and colourful foliage. The lush leaves on...

From$299.95
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
A Liquidambar styraciflua (American Sweet Gum) specimen tree in autumn with dark red foliage.
Liquidambar styraciflua

Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly known as Sweet Gum or American Sweetgum, is a popular ornamental tree due to its brilliant autumn colours. It...

From$376.90
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
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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$387.55
taxodium-cascade-falls-
Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls

Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls is a variety of the commonly known, Swamp Cypress, and is a fabulous weeping tree that will tolerate heavy soils...

From$387.55
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
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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
Acer saccharinum (Silver Maple) specimen tree in autumn with orange and yellow foliage.
Acer saccharinum

Acer saccharinum, commonly known as the Silver Maple, is a deciduous tree that is grown for its tidy form and colourful autumn foliage. The lush and...

From$299.95
magnolia-deryk-2
Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$387.55
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Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum Fjellheim is an impressive Japanese Maple featuring a rich display of delicate foliage held on colourful stems. Leaves on this small...

From$399.95
magnolia-grandiflora-teddy-bear-4
Magnolia Teddy Bear (Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear)

Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear, commonly known as the Magnolia Teddy Bear Tree, is a variety of Southern Magnolia, and is an evergreen tree with...

From$270.40
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
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
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$28.91
magnolia-soulangeana-heaven-scent-2
Magnolia Heaven Scent (Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent)

Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These...

From$387.55
crataegus-pauls-scarlet-5
Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet'

Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet' is a magnificent deciduous flowering tree renowned for its masses of rich scarlet double flowers that cover the...

From$340.69
magnolia-margaret-helen-
Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$387.55
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
An avenue of Platanus acerifolia (London Plane trees).
Platanus acerifolia

Platanus acerifolia, commonly known as the London Plane Tree, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its foliage, stature, and showy fruits. The...

From$387.55
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
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1
Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$515.35
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Fraxinus, and Magnolia, or related Categories - Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees, and Magnolia Trees.

Search types of specimen trees

What Are Specimen Trees?

A specimen tree is simply a tree selected and planted to serve as a centrepiece or feature in a garden or landscape. Unlike trees grouped in avenues or borders, a specimen tree stands alone, drawing attention through its unique characteristics. Specimen trees are chosen for their dramatic shape, exceptional foliage, lovely flowers, or vibrant autumn colour, making them ideal for lawns, courtyards, and driveways.

Popular Types of Specimen Trees

Choosing the right specimen tree can be transformative for your garden. Here are some of our favourite types of specimen trees suited to New Zealand conditions:

Ornamental Flowering Trees

Trees such as Robinia Lace Lady excel as specimens, thanks to their graceful, finely divided foliage and elegant form. These ornamental varieties are perfect for adding interest to small spaces or softening hard landscaping with their delicate appearance.

Deciduous Trees for Autumn Colour

For those who want a burst of autumn brilliance, deciduous ashes like Fraxinus excelsior, Fraxinus Annesbrook, and Fraxinus excelsior aurea make excellent specimen choices. Each brings its own flair: - Fraxinus excelsior offers classic, bold foliage that turns a vivid yellow in autumn. - Fraxinus Annesbrook is known for its upright habit and intense seasonal colour. - Fraxinus excelsior aurea, also known as the golden ash, delights with bright golden stems in winter and lush foliage in summer.

Architectural and Upright Specimen Trees

When you need height, structure, or a strong vertical statement, consider columnar varieties such as Fraxinus Purple Spire. This tree is beloved for its narrow silhouette and rich, deep purple autumn tones. It makes a perfect specimen in both modern gardens and traditional landscapes.

How to Choose the Best Specimen Tree for Your Garden

When selecting from the many types of specimen trees, consider your garden's size, sunlight, soil, and the effect you want to create. Think about seasonal changes: do you want a flowering spring highlight, cooling summer shade, or a blaze of autumn colour? Remember, the best specimens often combine beauty with easy care.

Find Your Dream Specimen Tree

Browse our full range of specimen trees, including stunning options like Robinia Lace Lady, Fraxinus excelsior, Fraxinus Annesbrook, Fraxinus Purple Spire, and Fraxinus excelsior aurea, to find the perfect highlight for your garden. Whether you seek a single, elegant tree or want to create dramatic impact, there's a specimen to suit every style and space.


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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.

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