Best Small Evergreen Trees For New Zealand

Popular Small Evergreen Trees for NZ Gardens

Selecting the perfect tree combines aesthetics with practicality. Some species offer unique beauty while others offer suitable size. We have broken down the popular options into two categories to make the process a little easier.

NZ Native Trees That Grow To Less Than 5 Metres Tall

The most popular, small NZ native trees are produced below. This list is based on many years of experience with NZ native trees.

Pittosporum crassifolium

• Pittosporum crassifolium, commonly known as Karo, is a versatile small tree. It is characterized by its thick, leathery, and glossy green leaves, which are often variegated with creamy white margins. In spring, Karo produces small, fragrant, dark red or purple flowers that are followed by woody capsules containing sticky black seeds.

Pittosporum Wrinkled Blue

• Pittosporum Wrinkled Blue is prized for its unique foliage. Its small, oval leaves boast a striking blue-green hue and a distinctively wrinkled texture, giving the plant its intriguing name. In spring, it graces gardens with small, fragrant, dark purple flowers that release a sweet scent.

Meryta sinclairii

• Meryta sinclairii, commonly known as the Puka, is a large-leaved evergreen tree endemic to New Zealand. It is characterized by its large, glossy leaves. It is widely grown as a street tree and a garden specimen in northern New Zealand.

Cordyline albertii

• Cordyline albertii is a striking evergreen plant. It is a variegated variety of Cordyline australis, characterized by its broad, arching leaves with creamy yellow stripes and a hint of red at the base.

Hoheria populnea Purple Wave

• Hoheria populnea 'Purple Wave', also known as Purple Lacebark, is a striking evergreen tree. It is prized for its unique foliage, with dark green leaves that have a vibrant purple underside, creating a captivating two-toned effect. In summer, it becomes adorned with masses of fragrant, star-shaped white flowers

Sophora fulvida

• Sophora fulvida, commonly known as the West Coast kōwhai, is a captivating evergreen tree. With its fern-like foliage and vibrant golden-yellow flowers, it adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. The nectar-rich flowers not only provide a stunning visual display but also attract native birds and bees, further enhancing its ecological value.

Metrosideros Spring Fire

• Metrosideros 'Spring Fire' is known for its masses of bright red-orange flowers that appear in spring and summer. 'Spring Fire' has a compact, bushy growth habit and glossy green leaves, making it ideal for hedges, borders, or as a feature plant.

Other options

The Plant Company created a Plant Finder Tool that enables you to find plants specific to your location, size, and style desired. Simply turn on the filters and beautiful options will be presented to you.

Popular Evergreen Trees That Grow To Less Than 5 Metres Tall

There are many popular options that could be put forward here, but we have limited the options to both the most popular and interesting.

Michelia Bubbles

• Michelia Bubbles is a delightful evergreen tree prized for its glossy foliage and fragrant flowers. This compact tree typically reaches 4 metres in height, making it ideal for smaller gardens. In late winter and spring, Michelia Bubbles bursts into bloom, displaying an abundance of creamy white flowers with a subtle pink blush. The blossoms emit a delicate, sweet fragrance that enchants any garden.

Michelia figo

• Michelia figo, also known as Port Wine Magnolia, is a versatile and fragrant evergreen shrub. Its glossy green leaves and compact growth habit make it a popular choice for hedges, screens, or specimen plants. The small, creamy yellow flowers, often edged in purple, bloom in spring and summer, emitting a strong, sweet fragrance reminiscent of ripe bananas or juicy fruit gum.

Coffea arabica

• Coffea arabica, the most widely cultivated coffee species, is renowned for its superior flavour and aroma. Arabica trees thrive in shaded environments with well-drained soil and moderate temperatures, typically between 15-24°C. The tree's glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers afford fantastic appeal in warmer climates.

Callistemon salignus

• Callistemon salignus, commonly known as the Willow Bottlebrush, is a graceful small tree native to eastern Australia. It's prized for its pendulous branches, soft, willow-like foliage, and profuse displays of creamy-white or pale pink bottlebrush flowers in spring and summer.

Cordyline Broadsword

• Cordyline Broadsword is a striking evergreen, prized for its broad, sword-like leaves and compact growth habit. This versatile plant is a popular choice for both gardens and containers, adding a touch of tropical flair to any landscape.

Camellias

• Camellias, with their lush evergreen foliage and vibrant blooms, are a captivating addition to any garden. These elegant flowering plants with graceful forms bring a touch of timeless charm to the landscape.

Other options

The Plant Company has a Plant Finder Tool that enables you to find plants specific to your location, size, and style desired. Simply turn on the filters and beautiful options will be presented to you.

Small Evergreen Tree Selection and Benefits

Evergreen trees are a popular choice for small gardens. They offer year-round foliage, providing a consistent structure and a vibrant green backdrop throughout the seasons. In New Zealand, there's a wide variety of small evergreen trees to choose from. These trees are not only suitable for small spaces but are also resilient to local climate conditions. Selecting the right tree and considering the benefits you are wanting to achieve is therefore fundamental to making a good choice.

The Benefits of Small Evergreen Trees in NZ Gardens

Small evergreen trees bring many advantages to New Zealand gardens. They're particularly suited to limited spaces. One key benefit is their year-round foliage, which maintains visual interest and garden structure even in the depths of winter. This consistency in greenery offers a canvas for other seasonal plants to shine against. A few other benefits include:

• Small evergreen trees can serve as habitats for local wildlife. They provide food and shelter, encouraging biodiversity in urban areas. Birds and other creatures rely on their foliage throughout the year, making your garden a haven for wildlife.
• These trees also help balance aesthetics and functionality. They serve as natural screens, providing privacy without taking up too much space. In small gardens where every inch counts, this dual purpose is especially valuable.
• Small evergreen trees require less maintenance compared to larger varieties. They grow slowly, needing minimal pruning, which suits busy gardeners. This ease of care is particularly beneficial for maintaining a neat and tidy garden without substantial effort.
• Choosing the right small evergreen tree can enhance the garden's appeal. It aligns with New Zealand's focus on sustainable and low-maintenance gardening practices, providing a thriving, beautiful space for years to come.
• Evergreen trees provide consistent beauty year-round. Unlike deciduous trees, they don’t shed all their leaves. This means your garden maintains structure through every season. The green backdrop they offer is enduring and a visual anchor in the garden.
• A well-placed evergreen can serve as a focal point. Its persistent colour adds depth and dimension to your garden.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Tree

Selecting the right tree for a small garden is crucial. A misfit can lead to overcrowding and unnecessary maintenance. It's vital to consider not only the mature size but also the growth rate. A small tree today may outgrow its space in a few years. Furthermore, think about the tree's impact on the overall garden aesthetics. It must complement not only the space but the architecture, and bring a wow factor.