Evergreen Exotic Trees
- Waterhousia floribunda - Weeping Lilly Pilly is a striking evergreen tree known for its dense, weeping form making it a standout feature in any garden. Its long, thin leaves have wavy edges and appear mostly green. However, new growth brings a burst of lighter greens, yellows, and salmon tones, adding seasonal interest. From November to January, the tree blooms with white fluffy flowers. Shortly after, rich pink berries emerge, enhancing its ornamental appeal and attracting feeding birds. Thanks to its versatility, you can trim it into a hedge or let it grow freely as a lush “umbrella” shade tree. Either way, it provides excellent screening. Moreover, Waterhousia floribunda thrives in a wide range of conditions. It is hardy, adaptable, and grows to approximately 8 metres tall by 5 metres wide. Interestingly, the name “floribunda” comes from botany and means “many-flowering” or “flowering profusely”—a fitting description for this beautiful tree.
- Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ is a compact evergreen shrub with dense, dark green foliage. Its tidy growth habit makes it ideal for structured garden designs and low-maintenance landscapes. During winter, masses of carmine buds burst into small, pink-tinged white flowers. These blooms add seasonal charm and brighten cooler months with subtle colour and fragrance. After flowering, the shrub produces small blue-black berries. Not only do they add ornamental value, but they also provide a valuable food source for birds. This hardy plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil and tolerates full sun to light shade. Perfect for mass planting or hedging, Viburnum ‘Eve Price’ also works beautifully as a standalone feature. You can easily trim it to maintain shape and size, reaching approximately 2.0 x 1.5 metres.
- Viburnum odoratissimum ‘Dense Fence’ is an evergreen shrub bred to create fast-growing, dense hedges. As a result, it provides excellent screening and privacy in gardens or landscapes. Its glossy, dark green leaves emerge with a striking red flush, while clusters of fragrant white flowers appear in spring. Consequently, the shrub offers year-round interest with minimal pruning required to maintain a tidy hedge. This hardy plant prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Moreover, once established, it tolerates light frost and grows to approximately 3 x 2 metres. Interestingly, the epithet odoratissimum comes from Latin, meaning “very fragrant” or “most fragrant,” perfectly reflecting its delightful spring bloom
- Flower Fragrant? Yes
- Tupidanthus calyptratus - Mallet Flower, is a fast-growing tropical evergreen that adds lush vibrancy to any garden. Its glossy, bright green palmate leaves droop gracefully, creating a soft, weeping effect. In spring and summer, green buds emerge and bloom into tiny white flowers. These sit atop structures resembling small mallets—hence the name “Mallet Flower” and its botanical title, "calyptratus". Mallet Flower thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers full sun. It typically grows to around 6 metres tall and 4 metres wide, is easily trimmed to shape and height, making it ideal for tropical landscaping.
- Tristaniopsis laurina – Kanooka or Water Gum is a medium-sized evergreen tree with a rounded, compact form. Its dark, glossy green leaves provide year-round appeal, making it a striking feature in any landscape. Native to Australia, this tree produces clusters of small, fragrant yellow flowers during summer. These blooms not only enhance its beauty but also attract pollinators, bringing extra life and movement to your garden. Kanooka Water Gum tolerates clay soils, yet it performs best in moist, well-drained conditions. For optimal growth and colour, plant it in full sun while avoiding sites that are overly wet or dry. Versatile and adaptable, it suits street planting, lawn specimens, and smaller gardens where shade is desired. Typically reaching 7 metres tall and 4 metres wide, it can also be pruned to maintain a neat, compact shape.
- Tipuana tipu, commonly known as Rosewood or Pride of Bolivia, is a fast‑growing evergreen tree with slender form and small, dark green, acacia‑like leaflets. It develops a broad, slightly flattened crown that offers excellent shade.In spring, the tree produces masses of bright yellow flowers with orange throats, followed by distinctive woody, winged seed pods. Native to Bolivia and South America, it thrives in full sun and remains evergreen in warmer climates. Rosewood prefers well‑draining, moderately fertile soil and adapts well to large landscape settings. Its timber is highly valued for fine furniture, musical instruments, and decorative pieces due to its durability and attractive grain. Reaching approximately 15 × 10 metres, it serves as an impressive shade tree for spacious gardens or parks.
- Thuja Green Giant is a resilient, fast-growing evergreen conifer admired for its dense, dark green foliage and upright pyramidal form. Propagated from cuttings, it maintains a uniform habit, remains disease-free, making it ideal for consistent planting. Because of its vigour, Thuja Green Giant is widely used for privacy screens and hedges. Moreover, it serves as a successful shelter belt worldwide. Originating in Denmark, this hybrid combines parent species from North America and Japan. In addition, it tolerates a wide range of soils, from sandy to clay, although it dislikes standing water. It also withstands windy sites and thrives best in full sun. For hedging or shelter, plant approximately 1.5–2.0 meters apart. At maturity, Thuja Green Giant reaches around 12 meters tall and 4 meters wide, creating an impressive and lasting landscape feature.
- Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' is an elegant, evergreen conifer with a compact, conical shape. Its slow-growing nature means it maintains form without the need for trimming, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens. Bright green, glossy foliage grows densely along upright branches, creating a refined vertical accent. Moreover, it tolerates humid conditions better than many other upright conifers. This versatile plant thrives in full sun or part shade and prefers well-drained soil. Because of its tidy shape, it suits containers, small gardens, or as striking statement pillars. Typically growing to around 4.0 x 1.5 metres, it fits beautifully into formal or modern landscapes. Interestingly, the name “Smaragd” comes from Ancient Greek and translates to “green stone,” reflecting its vibrant colour
- 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.
- Tangor Ugli, also called the Jamaican tangelo, is a unique citrus hybrid combining grapefruit, orange, and tangerine. The tree grows vigorously with an upright habit and classic green citrus foliage. In summer, it produces fragrant white blossoms that soon develop into large, orange, bumpy fruit. Fruit matures from October to December, are easy to peel, juicy and sweet. Although its name sounds unusual, the fruit remains exceptionally delicious. First discovered growing wild in Jamaica between 1917 and 1924, Tangor Ugli has become a popular garden citrus. The tree typically reaches around 3 × 2 metres, making it suitable for small gardens and compact spaces. It grows best in full sun, which supports strong growth and reliable fruiting. This variety prefers fertile, well draining soil rich in organic matter. However, it does not tolerate heavy clay or waterlogged conditions. Because it is a heavy feeder, it benefits from regular citrus fertiliser during spring and summer. Tangor Ugli suits sheltered courtyards, smaller gardens, and even large containers. With the right care, it rewards growers with abundant crops and standout flavour, making it one of the most enjoyable citrus varieties to cultivate.
- Hybrid of Grapefruit and Tangerine. Yields high amounts of red orange fruit that is semi-flat and thin skinned. Flesh is sweet, very juicy and is almost seedless. Ripens during July-October. Smaller growing so ideal for the smaller garden.
- Syzygium ‘Resilience’, a highly psyllid-resistant Lilly Pilly now available in New Zealand, thanks to Black Bridge Nurseries. This exceptional cultivar, originally from Australia, has been specially selected and propagated to combat the damage caused by the troublesome psyllid insect. Like other Lilly Pilly varieties, ‘Resilience’ forms a lush, compact shrub with vibrant mid-green foliage. In spring, its fresh growth flushes red tones, adding seasonal colour and visual interest to the garden. In summer, ‘Resilience’ bursts into bloom with masses of fluffy white flowers, followed by vibrant red berries that attract birds. It’s faster growing than traditional varieties, with a stronger, straighter central leader and a more robust root system. It also performs well in shaded areas, making it a versatile choice for many garden settings. Thriving in moist, well-drained soil, this hardy shrub can reach approximately 7m high by 3m wide but responds well to trimming making it ideal for hedging, screening, and topiary. Syzygium ‘Resilience’ is a standout performer in any landscape. 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".
- Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as the Californian Redwood, is a majestic, fast growing conifer native to the Pacific Coast of North America. Its stately pyramidal form features horizontal branches that slightly droop, while the trunk remains exceptionally straight with thick, rugged bark. These trees thrive in deep, moist, well drained, nutrient rich soils. Because they dislike drying out, its advisable to water them during dry periods, especially when young. Plant in full sun for best results. Californian Redwoods tolerate coastal conditions; however, they do not cope well with harsh winds. They typically grow to around 40 x 12metres yet can exceed 60 metres in ideal environments. Once established, they often grow more than a metre per year, making them an impressive choice for large properties, estates, parks, and reserves
- Radermachera sinica, also known as Canton Lace or China Doll, is a sub tropical, fast growing evergreen tree native to Southern China. It has an open, spreading form and features emerald green bipinnate leaves that reach up to 50 cm. In summer, the tree produces long, white, trumpet shaped flowers that create a striking display. It prefers moist, well drained soil in full sun, and should be kept evenly moist during dry periods for best growth. Because young plants are sensitive to cold, they should be protected from frost. Easily pruned to maintain height or shape, making it ideal for hedging or privacy screens. Additionally, it grows well indoors as a houseplant. A mature Radermachera sinica typically reaches around 8 × 5 metres.
- Radermachera Everlasting Beauty is a stunning shrub that has glossy, deep green emerald foliage and produces clusters of trumpet shaped, pale pink flowers with yellow throats that are sweetly scented. Flowering occurs during warmer months and flowering can occur multiple times in a season. It has a strong upright growth habit ideal for hedging and border plantings. A hardy shrub that is drought tolerant once established.
- Quercus suber, commonly known as Cork Oak, is a striking evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region. It grows large with a short stem and wide-spreading canopy, making it a bold feature in any landscape. Notably, its thick, rugged bark is deeply fissured and harvested for cork production. This unique trait makes it both functional and visually captivating. The tree displays a gnarled, spreading habit with dark green, leathery leaves that reveal a grayish underside. As a result, it adds texture and contrast throughout the year. Thriving in warm, dry climates, Cork Oak prefers well-drained soils and shows excellent drought tolerance once established. It can reach over 15 metres at full maturity. Moreover, its dramatic form and historical use make it an excellent conversation piece. Interestingly, the Latin word suber translates to “cork bark.”
- 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.
- Prunus lusitanica - Portuguese Laurel, is a versatile evergreen shrub or small tree with dark, glossy green oval leaves. Native to Western Europe, including regions of France, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, it brings both structure and elegance to garden landscapes. In late spring to summer, it produces white flowers with a subtle hawthorn-like scent, arranged in long, slender racemes. These are soon followed by small fruits, adding further seasonal interest. Moreover, this plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils, though it will not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Therefore, it’s best planted in a sunny, sheltered position to ensure healthy growth. Thanks to its dense foliage and upright habit, Portuguese Laurel is excellent for trimming into formal hedges or shaping into a clipped screen. Additionally, it can be trained as a pleached hedge or sculpted into topiary forms, offering flexibility for both traditional and contemporary garden designs. Typically growing to approximately 5 x 4 metres, it makes a bold yet refined statement in any outdoor space. The name lusitanica refers to Lusitania, the ancient Roman name for Portugal, highlighting its rich heritage.
- 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
- 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.
