New Zealand Native 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.
- Pittosporum pimeleoides is a rare, native evergreen shrub of New Zealand and is considered nationally endangered. With its much-branched, low-growing form, it features very tiny, narrow, often whorled leaves. This distinctive shrub produces fragrant, red-striped yellow flowers, followed by capsules containing black, sticky seeds in bright orange pith. Endemic to the northern North Island, it naturally thrives in coastal shrubland and is often associated with kauri forest habitats. Growing to around 80-1.0m metres tall, Pittosporum pimeleoides prefers well-drained soil as it struggles in heavy, wet clay. However, it adapts well to both high-light and shaded conditions. Its rarity and winter fragrance makes it a perfect talking point in any garden but is well suited for smaller gardens or pots.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Wrinkle Blue’ – Kohuhu, is an evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Compact and fast-growing, it naturally forms a pyramidal shape, making it ideal for structured landscapes. Its wavy, green-blue leaves add texture and colour year-round. In spring, purple flowers bloom, releasing a sweet fragrance during early mornings and evenings. This tree thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a sunny position. When regularly trimmed, it makes an excellent hedge. Typically, it grows to approximately 4 metres tall and 3 metres wide. Interestingly, tenuifolium translates to “with slender leaves,” reflecting its elegant foliage
- 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.
- Pseudopanax laetus – Large Leaf Five Finger. Native to New Zealand, Pseudopanax laetus is a striking evergreen shrub. It features a rounded, spreading form with deep green, glossy leaves made up of 5–7 broad oval leaflets. Notably, its foliage is the largest among the pseudopanax family. As it matures, this plant quickly becomes a bushy, multi-branched specimen. In spring, clusters of tiny white flowers appear, later developing into purple seeds that attract native birds. Although tolerant of most soil types, it thrives best with consistent moisture. Thanks to its fast growth, it’s ideal as a background or screening plant and can also be trimmed to a desired height. Alternatively, let it grow into a small shade tree. Expect it to reach approximately 5 metres high and 3 metres wide, making it a bold addition to any garden.
- Pittosporum cornifolium – Tawhiri Karo is a compact, evergreen shrub native to New Zealand. This rare Pittosporum variety features leathery, dark green leaves up to 6cm long, arranged in whorls that resemble a vireya rhododendron. In late winter, it produces sweetly scented yellow flowers that add charm and fragrance to sheltered garden spaces. Its unique foliage and blooms make it a standout feature. This shrub prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in a sheltered position. It’s ideal for smaller gardens or can be grown successfully in pots. Typically growing to around 2 metres tall and wide, Tawhiri Karo offers structure and interest without overwhelming limited spaces.
- Metrosideros excelsa 'Lighthouse' is a compact, upright evergreen tree discovered on Rangitoto Island in the Auckland region. Its green leaves feature striking silver-grey undersides, adding texture and contrast to the foliage. In December, vibrant red flowers burst into bloom, covering the entire tree. These blossoms not only dazzle but also produce seeds that attract and nourish small birds. Thriving in coastal environments, this Pohutukawa is impressively resilient. It tolerates poor soils, excess moisture, and even drought conditions with ease. Moreover, it withstands salt-laden winds and arid landscapes. While it adapts to clay and wet soils, it performs best in moist, well-drained earth. Ideal as an avenue or specimen tree, 'Lighthouse' grows to approximately 7 meters tall and 4 meters wide, making it a standout feature in any garden.
- Metrosideros excelsa ‘Long Bay’ – Pohutukawa is a striking evergreen New Zealand native tree. Originating from Long Bay on Auckland’s North Shore, it features fresh lime-green foliage on new growth, adding vibrant colour throughout the year. In late spring, ‘Long Bay’ bursts into brilliant red flowers that cover the tree in a spectacular display. These blooms are not only eye-catching but also provide an important food source for native birds, enhancing biodiversity. Moreover, Metrosideros excelsa flourish in coastal environments and show remarkable resilience. They endure poor soil conditions, excess moisture, and drought, while also withstanding harsh elements such as salt-laden winds and arid landscapes. Additionally, this variety tolerates clay and wet soils, though it thrives best in moist, well-drained earth. Growing to approximately 7 x 5 metres, it makes a beautiful coastal shade tree and a standout feature in any landscape.
- Metrosideros excelsa x umbellata ‘Maungapiko’ – Pohutukawa is an evergreen tree native to New Zealand. As a cross between Southern Rata and Pohutukawa, it develops a narrow, upright form with an open habit. Its slender, glossy dark‑green leaves create a striking contrast in any landscape. Bright crimson flowers appear in December and January, slightly later than most Pohutukawa varieties. This cultivar also tolerates frost better than others. Additionally, Maungapiko thrives in coastal conditions and withstand poor soils, drought, and salt‑laden winds. Although they cope with clay soils, these trees perform best in moist, well‑drained ground and full sun. Growing up to 8 metres tall and 3 metres wide, ‘Maungapiko’ makes a stunning feature for urban gardens, coastal settings, or cooler regions. Can also be used as a shelter belt.
- A domed shaped tree grows readily on a clear stem, and can be maintained at a wide variety of heights. Long green linear leaves that can measure up to 100 x 10 millimetres. Slender branches. Found from coast to high altitude forest. The tree’s slender, elongated leaves give the tree a light, airy elegance.
- An abundant small tree of coastal, lowland, and lower mountain forests throughout the country. Coarsely toothed light green leaves with clusters of tiny greenish-yellow flowers followed by violet or dark blue berries loved by native birds. Whiteywood name comes from the unusual white blotches on the trunk and stems. Protect from strong winds.
- 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.
- Corynocarpus laevigatus ‘Minima’ – Karaka, is a compact male form of the New Zealand native Karaka tree. Its glossy green leaves resemble the standard Karaka but are noticeably smaller, creating a lush, tropical look. As a male cultivar, it rarely produces fruit or seed. This makes it a tidy choice for urban gardens or formal landscapes where minimal litter is preferred. Thriving in full sun, it prefers moist, well-drained soil. It also tolerates coastal conditions and wind, making it highly versatile. With its dense branching and slower growth, ‘Minima’ is ideal for hedging, screening, or shaping into a privacy barrier.Interestingly, the species name laevigatus means “smooth” in Latin, referring to the texture of its foliage. In eight years, it typically reaches around 4.5 x 3.0 metres.
- Silver Fern Iconic New Zealand native tree fern and the inspiration of the national Emblem. Slow-growing, can reach heights of up to 12 meters. Its slender form is adorned with vibrant green fronds that can extend up to 4 meters, distinguished by their striking silver undersides. Can attain up to apx 12 x 4m in ideal conditions. Apx 6 x 4 10yr
- The tallest & most common of NZ’s tree ferns. A fast-growing tree fern with a slender, black trunk that features hexagonal patterns where old fronds have grown. Forms a large crown of gracefully arching fronds up to 5m. Keep well-watered and the soil evenly damp, use a good mulch around the base. Will tolerate sun. Protect from frosts when young. Can attain apx 20 x 5m in ideal conditions. apx 7 x 5m 10yr
