Evergreen Exotic Trees
- Michelia ‘Fairy White’ is an evergreen large shrub or small tree with dark green foliage and a naturally bushy habit. From early spring, it forms long brown buds that open into star‑shaped, pure‑white, fragrant flowers from approximately September to November. Bred in 2013 by renowned New Zealand nurseryman Mark Jury in Tikorangi, Taranaki, this variety is valued for its beauty and reliability. Excellent drainage is essential, as the plant cannot tolerate heavy, waterlogged, or clay soils. It performs best in slightly acidic, free‑draining soil that keeps the root zone healthy. The plant responds well to pruning, making it ideal for hedging or screening. Alternatively, if allowed to grow into a small specimen tree, it reaches around 3.5 × 2.5 metres. Its compact form makes it perfect for smaller gardens, courtyards, or use as an attractive potted tree.
- Michelia ‘Fairy Blush’ is an evergreen, dense, and bushy shrub with soft pale‑green leaves. From late winter to spring, it produces fragrant lilac‑pink flowers that add colour and scent to the garden. Bred by renowned New Zealand nurseryman Mark Jury in Tikorangi, Taranaki, this variety is admired for its reliability and charm. As the plant does not tolerate heavy, waterlogged, or clay soils, excellent drainage is essential. It grows best in slightly acidic, free‑draining ground that keeps the roots healthy. The shrub responds well to pruning, which makes it ideal for hedging or screening. Alternatively, when left to grow as a small specimen tree, it reaches around 3.5 × 2.5 metres. Because of its compact size, it suits smaller gardens, courtyards, or even large containers as a potted feature.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.”
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Orange ‘Parent Navel’ (Citrus sinensis) is the original navel orange variety that was developed in California. A moderately vigorous tree with a rounded growth habit. It produces large, sweet, seedless and easy to peel oranges. A heavy producer, so requires regular fertiliser over the fruit growing months. Harvest is later in winter from apx August onwards.
- 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.
