Coastal Trees
- Ficus Tuffi is a compact, upright shrub known for its dense growth and vibrant emerald green foliage. Native to Australia, it’s a standout choice for creating smart, formal hedges thanks to its easy-to-trim nature and minimal leaf drop—making it especially ideal around pools. This versatile plant pairs beautifully in layered hedging alongside Buxus or other small shrubs to maintain a polished, structured look. It also lends itself well to topiary work, whether planted directly in the garden or styled in pots for a refined touch. Ficus Tuffi performs best in moist, well-drained soil, flourishes in full sun to partial shade, and is resilient to coastal conditions though not in direct salt spray. Reaching approximately 4 metres tall and 2.5 metres wide, it can also be used as a larger screen. Standards have a clear trunk and are bushy on top. As a group planted together they create a hedge or screen "on stilts" and are called a "pleached hedge".
- Ilex ‘Largo’ Holly is a slower-growing, upright shrub with dense, bushy form. Its dark green oval leaves, developed in New Zealand, stand out because they have smooth edges, unlike the classic Holly. Moreover, this versatile shrub thrives in moist, well-drained soil and grows happily in full sun or partial shade. It performs beautifully as a border or hedge, and thanks to its compact size, it fits perfectly into smaller gardens. In addition, Ilex ‘Largo’ adapts well to coastal environments and can be shaped into elegant topiary. At maturity, it reaches approximately 3.5m high and 2.5m wide, making it both practical and decorative.
- Cupressus sempervirens 'Totem', commonly known as Totem Cypress, is a tightly upright-growing conifer with striking bluish-green foliage. Notably, these trees are iconic in Italy—especially throughout Tuscany—where they define the landscape and grace Renaissance gardens with timeless elegance. Thanks to their slender, vertical form, Totem Cypresses create bold architectural accents that elevate formal landscapes. Moreover, this cutting-grown cultivar ensures a consistently narrow columnar shape and even growth rate, making it a reliable choice for symmetry and structure. Unlike other varieties, its foliage remains dense and intact, resisting the tendency to “fall out.” Additionally, it offers improved resistance to fungal canker, making it a hardy option for challenging conditions. Often planted in rows as living pillars, it’s ideal for lining entranceways and avenues with a commanding presence. For optimal performance, Totem Cypress prefers drier soil and well-drained sites. Ultimately, it grows to approximately 10 meters tall and 2 meters wide delivering a bold, sculptural impact wherever it’s planted.
- Olea europaea ‘El Greco’ – Greek Olive is a compact evergreen olive known for its small green leaves and dense, tidy habit. Often used as a hedging olive, it may produce some fruit if left untrimmed, although this is not typical. This variety prefers moist, well‑drained soil but tolerates dry periods once established. Since it originates from the Mediterranean, it thrives in full sun and copes well with wind and coastal conditions. Because of its naturally dense, bushy form, ‘El Greco’ easily trims into neat low or tall hedges, making it ideal for smaller gardens. It grows to approximately 3 × 2 metres.
- Meryta sinclairii – Puka is a smaller evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Its upright, spreading branches hold huge, tropical-looking leaves that shine deep green. These handsome leaves can reach up to 50cm long and 20cm wide, creating a bold and lush display. From August to April, Puka produces inconspicuous white-green flowers. Shiny black fruits follow and remain year-round, attracting foraging birds anfd adding interest and contrast to the foliage. This tree thrives in warm, frost-free climates with moist, fertile, and well-drained soil. Moreover, it is highly tolerant of wind and salt, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens. Growing to approximately 5 x 3 metres, Puka works beautifully as a stand-alone specimen. It also serves well as a filler at the back of a garden, providing structure and tropical appeal.
- Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a smaller evergreen tree native to New Zealand. It forms a rounded shape with smooth, dark green, pointed leathery leaves, creating an attractive and compact appearance. This variety is highly useful for hedging and screening. Small purple flowers, lightly scented and most fragrant in the quiet of early morning or evening, produce seed that attracts small feeding birds. Originating from a windy island in the Cook Strait, it is well-suited to exposed coastal gardens. Moreover, it can withstand salt spray and thrives in moist, well-drained soils. Growing to approximately 4 x 2 metres, Pittosporum ‘Stephen’s Island’ makes an excellent smaller hedge. When kept trimmed, it maintains bushiness and provides year-round structure and greenery.
- Leptospermum scoparium – Manuka or Tea Tree is a compact, native New Zealand tree known for its resilience and beauty. It’s ideal for gardens seeking year-round interest and biodiversity. Dark green foliage is narrow, lance-shaped and sharply pointed. From late autumn to early spring, the tree bursts into single or double flowers, offering a vibrant display and nectar for bees. These are followed by its berries, which resemble tiny hot cross buns. Manuka is also prized for its high-quality honey, making it a valuable addition to any landscape. Hardy and adaptable, Manuka tolerates clay soils and thrives in windy coastal areas or dry conditions once established. Avoid overly wet soils for best results. It typically grows to around 5 meters tall and 3 meters wide.
- 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, commonly known as the European olive, is a versatile and iconic tree traditionally found throughout the Mediterranean Basin. Although native to this region, it is now widely cultivated across the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, North and South America, and South Africa. Just a few of the many varieties include, Kalamata, Koroneiki, Ascolano, El Greco J5 Typically grown as a small tree, the olive is prized for its fruit, which is harvested for oil, eating, or both. Its adaptability and resilience make it a popular choice for a variety of climates and landscapes. Because it originates from the Mediterranean, Olea europaea thrives in full sun, tolerates coastal winds and extended dry periods once established. It performs well in warmer, sunny environments and is remarkably drought tolerant. In addition, it makes a beautiful lightly dappled shade tree. With a mature size of approximately 7 x 3 metres, it’s ideal for gardens, courtyards, or orchard-style plantings, bringing both ornamental charm and practical value.
- Laurus nobilis – Bay Laurel is a compact evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region. Its dark green, leathery leaves are highly aromatic and widely valued for culinary use. In spring, small yellow flowers appear, followed by clusters of dark berries that add seasonal interest. Bay Laurel can be easily trimmed to shape, making it ideal as a screen or hedge. Moreover, it performs beautifully as a standard or ornamental tree, offering versatility in both formal and informal garden designs. This tree prefers moist, well-drained soil, yet it will tolerate drier conditions once established. In addition, it withstands coastal and windy aspects, making it a resilient choice for challenging sites. Mature specimens typically reach around 5 metres high and 3 metres wide. Interestingly, the name nobilis reflects its impressive quality and noble reputation.
- 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.
- Pittosporum crassifolium - Karo is a compact, evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Its bushy form and leathery dark green leaves, felted underneath, give it a lush appearance. In spring, it produces sweetly scented purple flowers, especially fragrant during calm mornings or evenings. After flowering, it forms seed capsules that attract and feed native and other small birds. Karo is easily trimmed into a tidy hedge or left to grow as a hardy screen, either trimmed or natural. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it tolerates dry conditions, coastal exposure, and strong winds—making it ideal for challenging sites. This very hardy tree typically grows to around 6 metres tall and 4 metres wide, making it ideal for gardens needing structure and resilience.
- Metrosideros excelsa 'Maori Princess' is a refined cultivar of the iconic Pohutukawa, selected for its upright, pyramidal growth habit. Its foliage is a distinctive deep green, offering a lush contrast to its vivid red flowers. Because of its compact form and neat structure, this tree is ideal for smaller gardens or urban landscapes. In addition, its tidy shape makes it easy to maintain and visually appealing year-round. In late spring, 'Maori Princess' produces brilliant red flowers that cover the tree in a spectacular display. These blooms are not only eye-catching but also serve as a valuable food source for native birds. Consequently, this tree adds both beauty and biodiversity to your garden. Growing to around 7 x 5 metres, it can be clipped to shape, making it suitable as a screen, hedge, or standout specimen. Metrosideros varieties, including 'Maori Princess', thrive in coastal environments and are impressively resilient. They tolerate poor soil, excess moisture, and even drought. Moreover, they withstand salt-laden winds and arid conditions, making them perfect for exposed sites. While they can grow in clay and wet soils, they perform best in moist, well-drained earth. Therefore, this cultivar is not only tough but also an excellent shade tree for compact outdoor spaces.
- A bold and fast-growing native of New Zealand, Griselinia littoralis 'Broadway Mint' or Kapuka, is a robust shrub or small tree—an impressive variety of littoralis. Its light mint-green leaves are glossy with a wavy edge that adds texture and strength to any landscape. Moreover, this versatile plant is easily clipped into a tidy smaller garden hedge or, if preferred, allowed to grow into a larger, structured screen. Not only does it thrive in coastal conditions, but it also stands up well to strong winds and frosts—making it a reliable choice for exposed sites. For best results, ensure good drainage. Ultimately, it reaches approximately 3.0 x 3.0 meters in size, offering both presence and practicality. Interestingly, the Latin word littoralis translates to “growing by the sea,” a fitting nod to its coastal resilience.
- Cordyline australis, commonly known as the Cabbage Tree or Ti Kouka, is a striking native tree found throughout New Zealand. With its upright trunk and clusters of long, drooping leaves—often reaching up to 1 metre—it resembles a palm and adds architectural flair to any landscape. In late spring, this hardy tree bursts into large heads of creamy white, scented flowers. These blooms are rich in nectar, attracting bees and other pollinators. As summer progresses, the tree produces fruit that draws native birds from January to April, enhancing biodiversity in your garden or property. Cordyline australis thrives in a wide range of environments—from swampy wetlands to dry, windy hill slopes. It’s commonly seen across farmland, open spaces, and scrubland in both the North and South Islands. While it tolerates clay soils, it performs best in free-draining ground and is resistant to coastal winds and harsh conditions. The name “Cabbage Tree” arose from early European settlers who, like Maori, used the tender heart-shoots as a vegetable. Its Latin name, australis, fittingly means “southern” or “of the south,” reflecting its deep roots in New Zealand’s southern landscapes. This iconic tree typically grows to around 6 metres tall and 2 metres wide, making it a bold and resilient choice for coastal gardens, rural properties, and native restoration projects.
- 6 x 2m
- Medium 5-10m
- Slow - Moderate
- Palm
- Upright
- New Zealand/div>
- Nikau Palms
- Green
- White
- Fragrant
- Dry once established, Damp-Wet, Clay
- Coastal, Windy, Hardy
- Bird Feeding, Small Gardens
- 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.
- Fig ‘Mrs Williams’ (Ficus carica) This deciduous, compact shrub or small tree features gnarled, twisted branches and bold, tropical-style leaves. Ideally, it should be planted in a sunny, sheltered, location. In addition, it thrives when provided with abundant moisture. Notably, ‘Mrs Williams’ is a well-known hardy selection that produces generous crops of high-quality, large figs. Unlike many other varieties, it ripens earlier in the season, making it a popular choice among gardeners. The fruit is dark in colour—sometimes even purple—with flesh ranging from light amber to rich red. As a result, the figs are sweet, juicy, and perfect for fresh eating or preserving. Typically, the harvest period runs from February to April, but be quick to harvest the fruit before the birds do. Because of its compact size, this fig is ideal for small gardens. Moreover, it tolerates coastal conditions with ease, adding to its versatility. Although it can grow up to 5 x 5 metres, it’s easy to trim to your preferred size and shape. Therefore, it’s a versatile choice for many garden styles
- Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’ – Purple Akeake is a tough, upright native New Zealand tree with bold, glossy purple-red foliage that deepens in colour during the cooler months. In summer, it puts on a show with unusual light red to purple papery flower clusters that add a rugged splash of contrast. Over time, Purple Akeake spreads out, making it a good choice for privacy screening or adding colour into compact garden spaces. It handles a wide range of soil types, salt spray, wind, and drought once established—but thrives best in moist, well-drained soil. Trim regularly to maintain a dense, bushy form. The name viscosa refers to the sticky texture of its seeds. Grows to approximately 3.5m high x 2.0m wide.
- Native to New Zealand, Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kowhai) is a semi-deciduous tree known for its spreading form and vibrant spring display. It features small, pinnate green leaflets that create a soft, open canopy. Unlike other Kowhai species, Coastal Kowhai does not have a divaricating (Zig-Zag) juvenile stage. Instead, it grows with a naturally elegant structure from an early age, making it easy to identify. In spring, the tree bursts into golden-yellow, tubular flowers arranged in pendulous racemes. These 45mm blooms appear en masse and attract Tui and other nectar-loving birds, adding life and movement to any garden. Coastal Kowhai thrives in moist, well-drained soil and thrives in coastal forest environments. It’s often found on banks overlooking estuarine rivers or sheltered inlets, where it enjoys mild conditions and good drainage. Previously classified as Sophora microphylla, this species is now recognized for its distinct traits. It makes a stunning feature tree in small gardens and typically grows to around 6 metres tall and 4 metres wide.
- Pseudopanax lessonii – Houpara is an evergreen New Zealand native that grows as a multi-branched shrub or small tree. Fast-growing, it features fleshy, palmate-shaped dark green leaves with three to five leaflets, creating a lush and tropical look. From December to February, small green flowers appear, followed by dark purple fleshy fruit. These fruits attract birds, adding life and movement to the garden throughout the year. Houpara can be left to grow as a small shade tree. Alternatively, it trims well into a hedge or can be clipped to form a larger screen, offering versatility in garden design. This hardy species is ideal for coastal gardens as it withstands salt-laden winds. It prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade and tolerates clay soils, though not waterlogged conditions. Growing to approximately 4 x 2.5 metres, Houpara makes an excellent choice for structured planting and year-round greenery.
