Wind Tolerant Trees
- Juniperus chinensis ‘Kaizuka’, also known as Hollywood Juniper, is a striking evergreen renowned for its sculptural form. Its branches spiral upward in a distinctly twisting motion, adorned with vivid bright green foliage that adds year-round interest. Thanks to its versatility, this variety can be left to grow naturally or trimmed into soft, rounded pillows—creating the illusion of floating clouds in the landscape. Moreover, it tolerates drought, wind, and coastal conditions, making it a resilient and adaptable choice. As a result, it serves as a unique focal point in any garden setting. With moderately fast growth and parentage rooted in China and Japan, it brings both elegance and heritage to outdoor spaces. Importantly, it requires good drainage to thrive.
- Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is a striking evergreen native to New Zealand. It forms a slender, erect, and tapering tree with long, green serrated leaves that adds texture and structure to the landscape. In spring, it produces very unusual tubular reddish-brown flowers with yellow tips that are highly attractive to native birds, adding both ecological value and seasonal interest. Because of its upright habit, Rewarewa is ideal for smaller gardens and narrow spaces. Additionally, it is well-suited to coastal gardens. While it tolerates clay soils, overly wet conditions should be avoided. Likewise, phosphate-based fertilizers are not recommended. Typically, it grows to approximately 7 x 3 metres, making it a manageable yet elegant choice for urban and rural settings alike. Interestingly, the Latin name Excelsa refers to its tall, strong stature.
- 7 x 3m
- Medium 5-10m
- Moderate
- Tree
- Columnar
- Evergreen
- New Zealand
- Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, Olea El Greco, Dacrydium Cupressinum, Acer Bowall, Poplar crow’s nest, Quercus robur fastigiata, Carpinus Betulus fastigiata, Dacrycarpus Dacrydoidies, Cupressus totem
- Green
- Reddish Brown
- No
- Prefers Moist well drained, Will tolerate clay, Not Wet
- Coastal, Wind
- Avenue, Small Garden, Bird Feeding, Narrow Spaces
- Koelreuteria paniculata, known as the Golden Rain Tree, is a medium‑sized deciduous tree with a broad, spreading canopy. Its long pinnate leaves emerge pinkish in spring, mature to green in summer, and turn a brilliant yellow in autumn. In early summer, elongated panicles of golden‑yellow flowers appear, creating a magnificent display. With origins in China, Korea, and Japan, this tree is hardy once established, tolerating heat, drought, and urban conditions with ease. Highly adaptable, the Golden Rain Tree grows in clay, loam, or sandy soils. Moreover, it can thrive even in nutritionally poor soils, although it will not tolerate waterlogged ground. Compact yet striking, it grows to approximately 5m tall by 4m wide, making it a standout specimen for smaller gardens or feature plantings.
- Kunzea ericoides, commonly known as Kanuka, is a tall, fast-growing New Zealand native tree with a broad, spreading crown. Because of its vigorous growth, it’s widely recognised and valued in native landscapes. Although its tiny needle-like leaves resemble Manuka, they feel noticeably softer to the touch. During summer, small white flowers blanket the tree, creating an almost snow-like effect that’s highly attractive to bees. Compared to Manuka, Kanuka grows larger and produces smaller seeds. Once established, it withstands windy coastal conditions and thrives in dry soils. Furthermore, it tolerates clay, though overly wet areas should be avoided. Extremely hardy, Kanuka reaches approximately 6 x 4 metres. As a result, it’s used extensively as a cover tree to protect newly planted native revegetation, offering both shelter and ecological support.
- 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.
- Leptospermum nitidum ‘Coppersheen’ is a popular, fast-growing evergreen native to Tasmania. It is admired for its striking bronze-red foliage, red stems, and masses of white flowers that bloom profusely in summer, adding vibrant contrast to the garden. Easily trimmed, Coppersheen makes an excellent hedge or larger screen. When left to grow naturally, it reaches approximately 6 x 4 metres, forming a spreading tree with strong visual appeal. This hardy plant tolerates drought and coastal conditions. It grows best in full sun with moist, well-drained soil, making it a versatile choice for many landscapes.
- 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.
- Magnolia grandiflora 'DD Blanchard' is a compact, pyramidal form of the classic Southern Magnolia. This evergreen tree showcases large, dark green glossy leaves with striking coppery undersides, adding year-round interest and texture to your garden. In summer, it produces creamy white, fragrant blooms that enhance its ornamental appeal. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and will tolerate clay, although overly wet conditions should be avoided. Full sun exposure encourages optimal growth and flowering. Originating from the United States, this variety makes an excellent shade tree, avenue planting, or specimen feature. It grows to approximately 7 × 4 metres in 10 years and can reach 15 × 10 metres at full maturity.
- Magnolia grandiflora ‘Ferruginea’ commonly known as the Southern Magnolia, takes its common name from its origins in the Southern United States. It forms a large, sturdy, and elegant evergreen tree with a rounded crown and year‑round foliage make it a striking specimen in any landscape. The glossy dark green leaves are distinguished by rust‑coloured felt beneath, creating a unique contrast. In spring, immense creamy white flowers appear, filling the garden with fragrance and beauty. This magnolia thrives in clay soils, although overly wet conditions should be avoided. Moreover, it tolerates coastal, windy, and colder climates, making it versatile for many sites. It grows to approximately 10m tall by 5m wide in 10 years. With time, it can attain a majestic 20m by 10m, offering shade, structure, and elegance as an avenue or specimen tree.
- Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is a compact evergreen tree originating from the USA. With its rounded form and slower growth, it provides year‑round structure and elegance in the garden. The glossy deep green leaves, highlighted by russet undersides, are typical of grandiflora magnolias. Moreover, creamy white flowers appear freely from an early age, filling the air with fragrance and charm. This magnolia tolerates clay soils; however, avoid overly wet conditions. In addition, it grows to approximately 5m tall by 3m wide but can be pruned easily to maintain shape and height. Because of its size and adaptability, ‘Little Gem’ is excellent for smaller gardens or large pots, offering beauty and versatility in both traditional and modern landscapes
- 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.
- 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.
- Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pohutukawa, is one of New Zealand’s most iconic native trees. Excelsa stands out as the giant of the species, with a wide-spreading canopy and olive-green foliage. From December, it bursts into bright crimson, fluffy flowers. For this reason it’s often called the New Zealand Christmas tree. Flowers also attract bees, birds, and beneficial insects. Thriving in coastal environments, Pohutukawa trees are incredibly resilient. They endure poor soil, excess moisture, and even drought. Moreover, they withstand salt-laden winds and dry, exposed landscapes. Their thick roots often anchor into cliff faces, showcasing their strength and adaptability. Pohutukawa prefers moist, well-drained earth, but will grow in a wide range of soils. With proper space, this majestic tree can grow up to 15 metres tall and 10 metres wide, making it a stunning feature in larger gardens or coastal settings.
- 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 '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.
- Metrosideros excelsa 'Moon Maiden' is a striking natural hybrid of the classic New Zealand Pohutukawa. Unlike its red-flowered relatives, it blooms with sulphur-yellow flowers in December, creating a luminous display. These dazzling blossoms also produce seeds that attract and nourish small native birds, adding life and movement to your garden. As an evergreen, 'Moon Maiden' forms a broad-headed canopy, offering excellent shade. Its thick green leaves feature silver-grey undersides, adding visual depth. Metrosideros thrive in coastal environments and are impressively resilient. They endure poor soil, excess moisture, and drought, making them ideal for exposed or challenging sites. In addition, they tolerate clay and wet soils—an advantage in areas with thin or heavy ground. However, they perform best in moist, well-drained earth. Growing to approximately 6 meters tall and 5 meters wide, 'Moon Maiden' makes a stunning specimen, avenue tree or shade tree
- Metrosideros excelsa 'Scarlet Pimpernel', commonly known as Pohutukawa, is a striking member of New Zealand’s iconic native tree family. This compact evergreen variety features a bushy growth habit and smaller leaves than traditional Pohutukawa, making it ideal for smaller gardens or urban landscapes. Also known as the New Zealand Christmas tree due to its prolific flowering in December when vibrant orange-red flowers bloom which attract bees, birds, and beneficial insects. Renowned for its resilience, 'Scarlet Pimpernel' thrives in coastal environments and tolerates poor soils, excess moisture, drought, and salt-laden winds. It also adapts well to clay and wet conditions, though it prefers moist, well-drained soil for optimal growth. Perfect as a shade tree or trimmed into a screen, this hardy native grows to approximately 4 metres tall and 2 metres wide. A beautiful, low-maintenance choice for coastal and urban planting.
- Metrosideros excelsa x robusta 'Mistral', commonly known as Pohutukawa, is a stunning native tree discovered on the Coromandel Peninsula, located on the north-western coast of New Zealand’s North Island. As a natural hybrid of Metrosideros excelsa and robusta, Mistral offers a more compact and upright form. Its fresh green foliage matures into a darker shade, creating year-round interest. Moreover, its tidy growth habit makes it ideal for smaller spaces. In late spring, Mistral bursts into deep scarlet red flowers that blanket the entire tree, creating a breathtaking display. Not only are these blooms visually striking, but they also attract native birds, adding ecological value to your garden. Growing to approximately 5 x 3 metres, this tree is easily clipped into shape. Therefore, it works beautifully as a screen, hedge, or standout specimen in compact landscapes. Metrosideros varieties thrive in coastal environments and are impressively resilient. They tolerate poor soils, excess moisture, and even drought conditions. Furthermore, they withstand salt-laden winds and arid climates, making them perfect for exposed sites. While they can grow in clay and wet soils, they perform best in moist, well-drained earth. As a result, Mistral is not only hardy but also an excellent shade tree for smaller gardens.
- 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.
