5 Evergreen Trees to Plant This Spring

Spring is a suitable time to plant many evergreen trees. Warmer soil promotes root growth, and regular rainfall helps with establishment. The trees below are ideal to plant now. Each offers practical benefits—privacy, structure, colour, or flowering—and performs well with basic care.

What Are Evergreen Trees?

Evergreens keep their leaves year-round. This means consistent foliage, better privacy, and a structured look through all seasons. Many also flower, offering added value in gardens of any size.

1. Cupressus ‘Better Green’

Best use: Tall hedging, windbreaks, fast privacy.

Height: Up to 5m
Width: 2m
Growth: Fast
Foliage: Dense, fine-textured, dark green
Soil/Conditions: Handles drought, frost, poor soil
Notable: Canker-resistant

This tree is preferred over Leighton Green due to better disease resistance and a neater, upright shape. Works well in rural and suburban blocks where fast coverage is needed.

2. Syzygium ‘Backyard Bliss’ (Lilly Pilly)

Best use: Tight hedges in small to medium spaces.

Height: Up to 4m
Width: 2m
Growth: Fast
Foliage: Glossy green, dense habit
Soil/Conditions: Tolerates frost, humidity, clay and sandy soil
Notable: Edible berries, low maintenance

Compact and easy to shape, this is one of the most popular choices for neat hedging. It requires less pruning than older Lilly Pilly varieties and handles a wide range of conditions.

Compared to Cupressus ‘Better Green’: Better for formal urban hedges where height is limited.

3. Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’

Best use: Small feature tree with flowers and structure.

Height: 3–4m
Width: 2.5m
Growth: Moderate
Foliage: Glossy green with bronze undersides
Soil/Conditions: Grows in part shade and various soils
Notable: Large white flowers in spring and summer

‘Little Gem’ is used where you want a flowering feature with a compact size. It holds its shape with minimal pruning and adds a formal, evergreen look.

Compared to Backyard Bliss: Less dense, more ornamental. Use as a feature, not a hedge.

4. Waterhousia floribunda (Weeping Lilly Pilly)

Best use: Natural screens and informal hedging.

Height: Up to 8m
Width: 4m
Growth: Moderate to fast
Foliage: Glossy green, light pink flush on new growth
Soil/Conditions: Handles wet soil, frost, and humidity
Notable: Small white flowers, bird-attracting berries

This is ideal for gardeners wanting a less rigid look. Its arching form creates soft movement in the garden and it tolerates wetter conditions better than most screening trees.

Compared to Backyard Bliss: Grows larger and looser. More suited to natural-style gardens.

5. Michelia alba (White Champaca)

Best use: Feature tree with year-round fragrance.

Height: Up to 6m
Width: 3–4m
Growth: Moderate
Foliage: Broad, dark green leaves
Soil/Conditions: Performs best in full sun, with protection from strong frost when young
Notable: Fragrant white flowers most of the year

Michelia alba is used where fragrance and tropical character are desired. Commonly planted near entrances, pools, or patios. Once established, it's hardy and flowers frequently.

Compared to Little Gem: Larger leaves, more fragrance, faster flower cycles in warm zones.

Planting Tips for Spring

Soil prep: Blend compost through planting hole. Ensure drainage.
Watering: Deep water 2–3x per week during the first 6–8 weeks.
Mulching: Apply 5–10cm mulch around base. Keep away from the trunk.
Spacing: Follow mature width to avoid crowding.
Fertilising: Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser after planting.
Pruning: Wait until the plant is established before shaping.

Common Questions

Can evergreen trees be planted in spring?
Yes. Warmer soil encourages root growth. Just water consistently during establishment.

Which is the best for fast hedging?
Cupressus ‘Better Green’ for height. Backyard Bliss for compact form.

Which tree flowers the most?
Michelia alba produces frequent, fragrant flowers. Magnolia 'Little Gem' has large seasonal blooms.

Which handles wet areas best?
Waterhousia floribunda tolerates occasional waterlogging and heavy soils.

Summary

Tree	Best For	Flowers	Max Height	Growth
Cupressus ‘Better Green’	Fast screening	No	5m	Fast
Backyard Bliss	Compact hedge	Small white	4m	Fast
Magnolia ‘Little Gem’	Small flowering feature	Large white	4m	Moderate
Weeping Lilly Pilly	Natural screen	Small white	8m	Moderate to fast
Michelia alba	Fragrant tropical feature	Fragrant white	6m	Moderate