Coastal Trees
- Sophora chathamica ‘Milligold’, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is an evergreen native tree from New Zealand. It features deep green foliage and a compact, graceful weeping form. Branches do not have the divaricating (Zig Zag) form and foliage is larger than the smaller microphylla. In spring, it produces masses of bright yellow flowers which makes a spectacular display and also attracts nectar‑seeking birds such as the Tui. ‘Milligold’ prefers well‑drained, moist soil and should not sit in waterlogged areas to avoid root rot. It grows best in full sun or partial shade. Typically reaching 2–4 meters in height and width, it suits courtyards, smaller gardens, and works beautifully as a container specimen.
- Ginkgo biloba ‘Jade Butterflies’ is a compact, deciduous dwarf male cultivar from the Ginkgo family. It forms an upright, vase-shaped structure and grows slowly. Its deeply bi‑lobed, jade‑green leaves resemble butterflies, which inspired its name. In autumn, the foliage transforms into a soft cream‑yellow display. This variety prefers fertile, moist soil; however, it also tolerates compacted, poor, or urban soils though will not tolerate wet soils. It thrives in full sun, which enhances its vibrant yellow autumn colour. Additionally, it withstands coastal salt spray and pollution, making it ideal for urban, seaside, and exposed locations. Mature plants reach approximately 3 x 2 metres. Its compact size suits small gardens, courtyards, or container planting. It requires minimal pruning, though shaping in late winter or early spring works well. The term biloba refers to the two-lobed leaves. Although Ginkgo trees are native to China, ‘Jade Butterflies’ was developed in New Plymouth, New Zealand.
- Podocarpus macrophyllus – Japanese Yew Pine generally grows upright with a narrow or pyramidal habit when young. Over time, it matures into a broader form if left untrimmed, creating a graceful and structured presence in the garden. Its long, narrow foliage is rich green which makes it a striking focal point and provides year-round appeal. Moreover, this species tolerates a wide range of soils, provided they are moist yet free-draining, though it resents waterlogging. Japanese Yew Pine grows best in full sun and is easily trimmed. Because it is slow growing, it requires little maintenance, making it an excellent hedge or screen. Growing slowly to approximately 6 x 4 metres in ten years, this tree offers both resilience and elegance. The Podocarp family also includes New Zealand’s native Podocarpus totara.
- Height x Width: 6 x 4m 10yr
- Height Range: Medium 5-10m
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Plant Type: Tree
- Shape / Habit: Pyramidal
- Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
- Country of Origin: South East Asia
- Similar to Consider: Podocarpus totara, Podocarpus gracilor, Podocarpus totara Aurea, Podocarpus totara Black Bridge, Podocarpus Totara Ardmore Green
- Leaf Colour: Green
- Soil Conditions: Moist well drained
- Climate Conditions: Prefers growing in Full Sun
- Uses: Feature, Screening, Hedging, Small Garden
- From the Three Kings Islands, Tecomanthe speciosa is a vigorous climber with large handsome glossy leaves. The large tubular cream flowers are borne in bunches during the winter months. Tui visit flowers for nectar. Frost sensitive but can be grown successfully in colder districts under the shelter of trees. Ideal grown up a terrace pole, strong trellis, up into trees. Takes some years to flower.
- Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Purpurea’ is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. Multi-branched and compact, it features fleshy, palmate leaves in striking dark purple-red tones with three to five leaflets. From December to February, small green flowers appear, followed by dark purple fleshy fruit. These fruits attract birds, adding seasonal interest and wildlife appeal to the garden. This variety prefers moist, well-drained soil but will not tolerate waterlogging. For the best colour, plant in full sun where its foliage shines most vividly. ‘Purpurea’ can be left to grow as a small shade tree. Alternatively, it trims well into a compact hedge or can be clipped to form a larger bushy screen, offering flexibility in garden design. Ideal for coastal gardens, it withstands salt-laden winds and thrives in exposed conditions. Growing to approximately 4 x 2.5 metres, it provides structure, colour, and resilience year-round.
- Pseudopanax ‘Sabre’ is a striking evergreen tree native to New Zealand. It grows at a reasonably fast pace and showcases long, leathery, lance-shaped leaves in deep green, with a yellow orange mid rib —hence the name ‘Sabre’. Although similar to P. crassifolium, this variety grows faster and features wider, thicker foliage. As a result, it offers a bolder presence in the garden while remaining easy to manage. It thrives in most soil types and adapts well to both full sun and semi-shade. Moreover, its resilience makes it an excellent choice for coastal gardens and exposed sites. Over time, ‘Sabre’ matures into a more open habit. However, you can easily trim it to maintain shape and height, making it ideal for smaller gardens. It typically reaches around 4 x 3 metres at maturity.
- Pyracantha ‘Brilliant’ – Scarlet Firethorn is a compact evergreen shrub known for its glossy green foliage and occasional thorns. In spring, it bursts into masses of small, delicate white flowers, adding seasonal charm to any garden. As autumn arrives, vibrant orange-red berries cover the plant, lasting through winter. These berries not only add colour but also attract birds, enhancing garden biodiversity. This hardy shrub thrives in full sun to semi-shade and prefers well-drained, moist soils. It tolerates frost, wind, and suits both sheltered and coastal locations. Often chosen for hedging and screening, Pyracantha ‘Brilliant’ also makes an excellent security hedge. It grows to approximately 2.5 x 2.5 metres and is easily clipped to shape.
- Quercus canariensis – Algerian or Mirbeck Oak is a large, deciduous tree native to the Western Mediterranean. With a stout trunk and broad crown, it produces striking dark green leaves that create a lush canopy. In warmer climates, it may remain semi-evergreen, offering year-round appeal. This oak thrives in exposed sites, tolerating heat and drier conditions with ease. Moreover, it adapts well to most soils and shows greater tolerance of clay than many other oak species, though it dislikes waterlogged ground. Additionally, Quercus canariensis withstands coastal environments, making it versatile for varied landscapes. It grows approximately 10 x 6m in ten years, and at maturity, it can reach 25 x 25m. With its impressive size and spreading habit, it serves as an excellent shade tree for large gardens or open spaces.
- Pittosporum crassifolium ‘Green Lustre’ is a hardy, evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Closely related to the standard Karo, it differs in that it features glossy green leaves on top with a soft, felted underside. This compact tree adds texture and depth to any garden. In spring, it blooms with sweetly scented purple flowers. These are especially fragrant during still mornings or calm evenings, adding charm to outdoor spaces. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it tolerates dry conditions and handles windy sites and coastal exposure. Whether trimmed into a neat hedge or left to grow naturally, it forms a dense screen. Typically, it reaches around 6 metres tall and 4 metres wide.
- Podocarpus henkelii – Henkel’s Yellow Wood is a South African species of Podocarp that forms a compact, upright tree. Its distinctive pyramidal shape is enhanced by weeping branches covered in long, slender, glossy dark-green leaves. In spring, new shoots emerge in a striking salmon-pink shade, adding seasonal colour and contrast. Although slower growing, this tree develops into a graceful feature with year-round appeal. Henkel’s Yellow Wood prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun. However, it resents waterlogging and should be protected from heavy frosts. The Podocarp family also includes New Zealand’s native Podocarpus totara, making this species a fascinating relative. Growing to approximately 5 x 4 metres in ten years, it is an excellent choice for smaller gardens.
- Podocarpus totara ‘Aurea’ – Golden Totara, is a striking evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Closely resembling its parent species, it stands out with rich golden foliage when grown in full sun. From a young age, it forms a bushy, compact shape that adds texture and colour to any landscape. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and should not be planted in wet areas. This hardy tree tolerates wind and coastal conditions, making it suitable for exposed sites. Its slow growth allows for easy maintenance in gardens of all sizes. Golden Totara can be trimmed to shape and works beautifully as a hedge, screen, or larger shelter. In ideal conditions, it reaches approximately 10 x 6 metres at maturity.
- Podocarpus totara ‘Ardmore Green’ is a strong, sturdy evergreen native to New Zealand. From an early age, it displays dense, dark green foliage, closely resembling the mature Totara tree. It thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Thanks to its tolerance for wind and coastal conditions, it suits a wide range of garden environments. With slow, steady growth, ‘Ardmore Green’ is easy to manage in gardens of any size. Its compact nature makes it ideal for structured planting. Use it as a stand-alone specimen, for avenues, or as a large screen or shelter. When trimmed, it forms a robust hedge with a Yew-like appearance. In ideal conditions, it can reach approximately 7 x 5 metres at maturity.
- Pinus pinea – Italian Stone Pine is an evergreen tree celebrated for its edible pine nuts. This striking ornamental species displays long, slender needles typical of pines, adding texture and elegance to any landscape. With its distinctive growth habit, the Italian Stone Pine forms a stout, bushy globe. Over time, it develops a thick trunk and numerous branches that create its signature dense, rounded, and flattened crown. Well-suited to sandy soils, this tree tolerates both wind and coastal conditions. Pine nuts ripen in autumn, offering a seasonal culinary delight. Also suitable as a shade tree. Mature trees typically reach around 8 x 5 metres. However, they can be trimmed to maintain shape and height, making them versatile for gardens, avenues, or larger landscapes.
- Pinus thunbergii – Japanese Black Pine is an attractive evergreen species that develops into a broad, conical tree. Its stout, twisted branches spread with maturity, creating a striking silhouette. Winter buds are sharply pointed and silky, shifting from silvery white to deep green as the seasons progress. This pine thrives in well-drained soils including sandy and prefers full sun with moderate temperatures. Moreover, it is highly tolerant of salt and drought, making it an excellent choice for coastal planting and exposed conditions. Growing to approximately 10 x 4 metres, Japanese Black Pine is especially popular in Japanese-style gardens. Its resilience and distinctive form make it a valued specimen for both traditional and modern landscapes.
- Metrosideros collina ‘Springfire’ (Pacific Island Pohutukawa) is a vigorous fast growing tree from the Pacific Islands, admired for its striking grey‑green foliage. As one of the earliest Pohutukawa to bloom, it bursts into vibrant orange‑red flowers that signal the arrival of Spring. This hardy tree tolerates clay soils and, once established, withstands dry conditions. Furthermore, it thrives in coastal and windy sites, making it a versatile choice for challenging environments. Its compact size suits smaller gardens, while regular trimming allows easy shaping into a colourful hedge. However, protect young plants from frost to ensure healthy growth and long‑term success. Growing to approximately 4m tall by 3m wide, ‘Springfire’ offers manageable proportions and year‑round appeal, combining resilience with striking seasonal beauty.
- Olea europaea ‘Ascolano’ is a rounded, moderately fast-growing evergreen with a bushy habit. It features silvery-green, leathery leaves and strong, rigid branches. This variety is well known for producing large, mild table olives, making it both ornamental and productive. Ascolano is suitable for hedging or screening and can also be left to grow as a specimen tree. When mature, it reaches approximately 6 x 3 metres, offering structure and beauty in the landscape. Originating from the Marche and Tuscany regions of Italy, Ascolano thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it tolerates wind, coastal conditions, and dry spells, making it a hardy and versatile choice for gardens.
- Olea europaea ‘J5’ is a medium-sized, evergreen olive tree with a graceful, weeping form. Ideal for warmer climates, it adds Mediterranean charm to any garden. In spring, it bursts into masses of tiny cream-white flowers, which later develop into a generous crop of medium-sized oval fruit by autumn. This New Zealand selection thrives in full sun and tolerates wind and coastal conditions. Once established, it can endure extended dry periods, making it a resilient choice for low-maintenance landscapes. Growing to approximately 6 x 3 metres, the J5 olive tree is not only a prolific fruiter but also provides light, dappled shade—perfect for relaxing outdoor spaces.
- Olea europaea ‘Kalamata’ is the famous Greek table olive tree, known for its strong vigour and upright growth habit. This striking olive tree features larger olive-green leaves compared to other varieties, adding lush texture to the landscape. During summer, clusters of small creamy white flowers appear, followed by very large, almond-shaped fruit. These dark purple olives have a smooth texture and are typically harvested in April. Notably, the name Kalamata originates from the region in southern Greece where this variety was first cultivated. As with most olive trees, the species name europaea simply means “European,” highlighting its Mediterranean heritage. In addition to its culinary fame, this tree also produces olive oil. Once established, it tolerates dry conditions well and thrives in warmer, sunny climates. With a mature size of approximately 7 x 3 metres, it makes a wonderful lightly dappled shade tree, perfect for gardens, courtyards, or orchard-style plantings. Whether you're seeking ornamental beauty or a productive fruiting tree, ‘Kalamata’ offers both elegance and utility.
- Commercial oil Olive. Smaller leaves with dense habit. Small fruit produced in abundance with high oil content. Fruits from an early age. Will tolerate warmer climates. Being from the Mediterranean olive trees require full sun and will tolerate wind coastal and can also survive extended dry periods once established.
- Olea europaea ‘Verdale’ – Olive is an evergreen tree with a spreading, weeping form. Its long leaves show distinct green‑silver or grey‑green tones on top, while the undersides appear silvery grey. This gives the tree one of the most strikingly silvery canopies among olive varieties.Verdale originates from southern France. It is a traditional French cultivar valued for its large green olives, which are ideal for pickling. In addition, it produces a mild, fruity oil and is known for cropping reliably each season. This olive thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well‑drained soil. It also tolerates wind and coastal conditions. Once established, it can withstand extended dry periods, making it a hardy and versatile choice for many landscapes. Reaching around 5 metres, Verdale is used in commercial orchards. In residential gardens, it works beautifully as a shade tree that offers a dappled light.
