Dwarf evergreen trees can mark a bold statement in your landscape or general home architectural design. These small evergreen trees are perfect for driveways, containers, and small gardens.
If you’re looking to bring tropical vibes to your homestead throughout the year, grow ornamental dwarf evergreen trees. Our guide provides descriptions and pictures of various types of small evergreen trees.
Reasons to Plant Dwarf Evergreen Trees in Your Yard
Different types of small evergreen trees have numerous benefits for your backyard and garden (Source: University of Minnesota). Here are the reasons to plant fast-growing dwarf evergreen trees in your yard:
Ornamental Beauty
These small evergreen trees come in different colors and accents to create an appealing landscape. The evergreen nature means that your garden will have spectacular colors and textures throughout the year.
Yard Privacy Screening
These dwarf evergreens can give your backyard and garden year-round privacy since they do not lose their leaves. These dwarf varieties will beautify and provide top-notch privacy screening even in winter.
Shelter and Food in Winter
Evergreen trees for small gardens provide food and shelter for birds in winter. These dwarf trees do not lose leaves to create a winter habitat for different birds and bird-watching points.
Small Garden Landscape Design
Dwarf trees are excellent for small gardens due to their compactness taking less space than their large counterparts. The small stature also helps eliminate the hustle of dealing with root balls and long branches.
Minimal Maintenance Requirements
These small evergreens do not need extensive pruning due to their compact nature and short stature. Besides that, you can plant them in small or narrow spaces without affecting your property.
Small Evergreen Trees Varieties for Your Garden
There are over 100 species of compact evergreen trees for small gardens. Here is a list of 20 dwarf evergreen trees I’ve personally worked with:
Dwarf Eastern White Pine
It is a “Nana” white pine cultivar with slow-growing characteristics. The small evergreen tree has a dome shape and dense canopy with silver blue-green needle leaves.
The ornamental dwarf pine tree thrives in full sunlight and can grow up to 2-7 ft tall. It experiences an average growth rate of 5 inches per year.
The small pine tree is ideal for rocky gardens as a foundation plant. Besides that, it requires low maintenance and is not tolerant to air pollution or spray.
| Scientific Name | Pinus strobus ‘Nana’ |
| Maximum Height | 2-7 ft tall |
| USDA Zone | 3-8 |
Lawson Cypress ‘Minima Aurea’
It is a minima aurea cultivar with spectacular golden yellow color and soft feathery-like spray leaves. The dwarf tree experience slow-growing traits and can grow up to 1-4 ft tall.
The pyramidal growth pattern makes this small evergreen tree ideal as a foundation or container tree. It can thrive in full and partial sunlight without compromising its beauty.
| Scientific Name | Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Minima Aurea’ |
| Maximum Height | 1-4 ft tall |
| USDA Zone | 5-8 |
Miniature Common Juniper ‘Gold Cone’
It is a dwarf columnar landscaping tree for planting in the front of the house. The dense gold-green leaves and columnar growth pattern add an appeal to the garden or yard.
The gold cone juniper does not require pruning and can tolerate drought. Besides that, this ornamental evergreen tree appreciates a wide range of soils.
The small evergreen tree can grow up to 3-5 ft tall and 2 ft wide. Full sunlight and well-drained soil in USDA zones 4-8 enhance healthy growth.
| Scientific Name | Juniperus communis ‘Gold Cone’ |
| Maximum Height | 3-5ft tall |
| USDA Zone | 4-8 |
Green Arrow Weeping Alaska Cedar
It is a type of small weeping evergreen tree with an average growth of 20ft tall. The cedar tree type can suit small gardens since it can reach 1ft wide at the base.
The vertical accents with dropping branches are ideal for landscaping design. The weeping dark-green foliages are my favorite feature for marking bold statements.
This type of cedar tree prefers full sunlight and well-drained soil for healthy growth. It also loves a USDA zone of 4-8.
| Scientific Name | Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Green Arrow |
| Maximum Height | 20ft tall |
| USDA Zone | 4-8 |
Chalet Dwarf Swiss Stone Pine
It is a slow-growing evergreen tree suitable for landscaping due to its long dark-green needle-like foliage. The small pine tree has a columnar growth pattern appearance.
If you want to beautify your garden, chalet dwarf swiss stone pine is the best option due to the accent appearance. It is the most beautiful small pine tree in the market.
The dwarf pine tree flourishes in well-drained loamy soil and full sun. It can also tolerate cold winter without shedding the leaves.
| Scientific Name | Pinus cembra ‘Chalet’ |
| Maximum Height | 5-8 ft |
| USDA Zone | 4-8 |
Upright Japanese Plum Yew
It is a compact evergreen tree species with delightful vertical branches and needle leaves. The coniferous tree grows into a V-shape with dense green leaves.
The thick bushy appearance provides privacy and protection from wind throughout the year. The columnar tree is ideal for planting in small gardens with tight spaces.
The female species produce small plum-like fruits and prefer well-drained soil where it gets full-partial sunlight. You can also plant these dwarf trees for accent features.
| Scientific Name | Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Fastigiata’ |
| Maximum Height | 8-10ft tall |
| USDA Zone | 7-9 |
Norway Spruce
It is a dwarf shrub-like tree that belongs to the Pumila variety. It is an excellent small evergreen species for ground cover when landscaping your front yard.
The dwarf evergreen tree has a bushy appearance when fully grown. It has a maximum height of 4ft and the same width spread.
The attractive green needles make this dwarf spruce an excellent choice for rocky gardens or foundation planting. The tree can survive in cooler climates and all soil types.
| Scientific Name | Picea abies ‘Pumila’ |
| Maximum Height | 4ft |
| USDA Zone | 4-8 |
Dwarf Alberta Spruce
It is another compact conifer evergreen species for coloring the front yard throughout the year. The ornamental small evergreen tree can grow up to 12ft tall after 30 years.
The dense dark green leaves grow in an A-shape and can be pruned into different fancy shapes. It can also be grown into containers for an accent feature.
| Scientific Name | Picea glauca albertiana ‘Conica’ |
| Maximum Height | 12 ft tall |
| USDA Zone | 3-9 |
Dwarf Scotch Pine Tree
Also called the green penguin and grows into a conical shape. This dwarf fat scorch pine belongs to hardy evergreen trees and brings tropical vibes to your garden.
The bright green needle leaves maintain their color the whole year. The dwarf tree does not require pruning and can grow up to 6ft tall after many years.
The small evergreen tree can withstand a temperature of -40oF (-40oC) and flourishes in a USDA zone of 3-7. Plant these trees in well-drained soil and with full sun exposure.
| Scientific Name | Pinus sylvestris ‘Green Penguin’ |
| Maximum Height | 6ft tall |
| USDA Zone | 3-7 |
Miniature Moss False Cypress
It is a dwarf tree with silvery leaves and a limited growth rate. The small evergreen tree is ideal for landscaping, ground cover plant, and border plant in small gardens.
The small evergreen tree has a round global shape and can grow up to 1 ft tall. We recommend planting the tree species alongside perennials for excellent winter colors.
You can also grow this tree-like shrub in containers for creating urban gardens. It grows well in well-drained soil and a USDA zone of 4.
| Scientific Name | Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Squarrosa Minima’ |
| Maximum Height | 1 ft tall |
| USDA Zone | 4 |
Dwarf Japanese Black Pine Tree
It is a miniature evergreen tree suitable for small gardens due to its elegant appearance and shape. It takes 10 years for the dwarf tree to attain 4ft height.
The small vertical branches give the tree a narrow pyramid look and can be pruned into different fancy shapes. The ornamental tree loves the full sun and can tolerate cold winter.
| Scientific Name | Pinus thunbergii ‘Kotobuki’ |
| Maximum Height | 4ft tall |
| USDA Zone | 4 |
Dwarf Pencil Point Juniper
It is a narrow evergreen tree type with an average height of 5ft. The compact tree is an excellent choice for the front yard, garden, and containers.
The miniature accent tree can tolerate low temperatures and all soil types. But we recommend soil that never gets dry to enhance healthy growth.
The dwarf evergreen tree is a perfect foundation plant that accents tight spaces and provides tropical vibes throughout the year.
| Scientific Name | Juniperus communis ‘Compressa’ |
| Maximum Height | 5ft |
| USDA Zone | 4-7 |
Dwarf Serbian Spruce Tree
It is a beautiful evergreen tree ideal for landscaping large and small gardens. The slow-growing compact tree has an average height of 5ft and grows 3-4 inches every year.
The silvery green leaves form a bushy appearance for providing privacy in your garden or backyard. This dwarf evergreen tree does not require regular pruning.
The spruce tree type can withstand low temperatures in winter and thrives in a well-drained soil texture. The roots are not invasive and won’t damage your properties.
| Scientific Name | Picea omorika ‘Nana’ |
| Maximum Height | 5ft |
| USDA Zone | 4 |
Dwarf Balsam Fir Tree
It is the most compact dwarf fir tree with an average height of 24 inches. This classic fir tree has a conical shape and spreads about 3ft wide.
The dwarf balsam fir tree is suitable for small yards with limited space. It is also slow-growing and evergreen throughout the year.
You can plant dwarf balsam fir trees in containers if you have a balcony, porch, or deck area. The needle leaves give a wonderful pine aroma and repel insects.
| Scientific Name | Abies balsamea ‘Nana’ |
| Maximum Height | 24-inches tall |
| USDA Zone | 3-6 |
The Blues Weeping Colorado Spruce Tree
It is a small evergreen tree with a silvery appearance to mark a bold statement in the front yard. We also recommend growing this small spruce tree in containers in urban areas.
This fast-growing ornamental dwarf tree can reach 10ft within a short period. Use containers to restrict the fast growth rate.
The crisp blue foliage from the dwarf tree will give an oriental feel to any garden. You train the tree to grow in the direction of your choice.
| Scientific Name | Picea pungens ‘The Blues’ |
| Maximum Height | 10ft |
| USDA Zone | 2-8 |
Dwarf Hinoki Cypress Tree
It is a slow-growing dwarf ornamental evergreen tree native to Japan. The rich foliage and ornamental appearance make this Hinoki cypress ideal for small gardens.
Dwarf Hinoki cypress trees have an average height of 3-6ft tall. But some species might be shorter than 12 inches in height.
This Hinoki dwarf evergreen tree is the right choice for landscaping. Ensure it grows in well-drained soil and full to partial sun to produce dark green leaves.
| Scientific Name | Chamaecyparis obtusa |
| Maximum Height | 3-6ft tall |
| USDA Zone | 4-8 |
Green Spire Euonymus
It is a small evergreen tree native to the Far East and is also called Japanese Spindle or Evergreen spindle. The bush leafy leaves stay green throughout the year.
The tree comes in several cultivars that produce dark green glossy foliage and variegated counterparts. It is an excellent choice for privacy hedges in the garden.
These small ornamental trees are ideal for flower beds since they can grow up to 6-8ft tall. We recommend pruning for attaining desired height and growth pattern.
| Scientific Name | Euonymus japonicus |
| Maximum Height | 6-8ft tall |
| USDA Zone | 6-9 |
Mugo Pine Tree
The dwarf evergreen tree is suitable for small spaces due to its compact branches. It is also called dwarf mountain pine for providing ground cover in most soil types.
The compact tree has an average height of 3-5ft and short branches. The tree thrives in partial shade and can withstand harsh winter weather.
Mugo pine tree is perfect for rock gardens, foundation planting, front yards, and small gardens with tight spaces. They grow best in the USDA zone of 3-7.
| Scientific Name | Pinus mugo |
| Maximum Height | 3-5ft |
| USDA Zone | 3-7 |
‘Little gem’ Dwarf Southern Magnolia
It is a slow-growing evergreen tree native to southern magnolia. The tree has dark green and glossy leather-like leaves that maintain their colors all year.
The little gem dwarf southern magnolia blooms large white flowers in the late spring and fall. It can tolerate winter weather without compromising its beauty.
| Scientific Name | Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ |
| Maximum Height | 20ft tall |
| USDA Zone | 5-9 |
Blue Wonder Blue Spruce Autumn
It is a winter hardy spruce tree with an average height of 6ft. This dwarf evergreen tree has blue-gray foliage and a spectacular compact appearance.
It is an excellent alternative to dwarf Alberta spruce due to its conical shape. You can plant the tree in containers to create urban gardens.
| Scientific Name | Picea glauca ‘Blue Wonder’ |
| Maximum Height | 6ft |
| USDA Zone | 3-8 |
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