Pseudopanax Information & Advice

Planting And Growing Pseudopanax

Planting Pseudopanax and getting them to grow well is generally easy when you get a few of the basics right. This involves planting them in the right soil type, choosing the most ideal planting position, selecting the best variety, and ensuring the plants have the essentials to thrive. The Plant Company has the right advice to ensure success when you are growing Pseudopanax.

Can You Grow Pseudopanax In Pots?

Pseudopanax can absolutely be grown in pots and they look amazing when managed appropriately. Choose a pot that is no more than twice the size of what the plant is currently growing in and that has plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the bottom of the pot to about 1/3 of the way up with potting mix. Do not use soil or compost when growing plants in a container and do not add fertiliser. The Plant Company potting mix has all the nutrients required to sustain the plant for the next 12 months.

Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag or container, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots have been growing in a circle or are all bound up you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. Similarly, you don’t need to remove any of the growing media. The Plant Company does not recommend cutting the roots, even if the plant is root-bound as this offers no benefit. This is explained in our article, Managing Rootbound Plants. Add more potting mix and firm this around the plant using gentle pressure, then water well. They should be watered twice a week during hot weather and weekly or fortnightly during cooler periods.

The key to having an amazing Pseudopanax in a pot is to keep trimming it to keep it shapely, contained, and dense. Typically, the plants would be lightly clipped every 2-3 months.

How To Plant A Pseudopanax

Choose a full sun position with good drainage for your Pseudopanax plant. The hole should be dug at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. A planting spade makes the hole digging a lot easier. The Plant Company recommends incorporating compost or sheep pellets into the soil to provide additional organic material, but this is not essential. Do not put fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, rather spread that on the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring.

Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag or container, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots have been growing in a circle or are all bound up you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. Similarly, you don’t need to remove any of the growing media. The Plant Company does not recommend cutting the roots, even if the plant is root-bound as this offers no benefit. This is explained in our article, Managing Rootbound Plants.

Now place the plant in the hole and make sure it is level with the soil surface before filling in around it. If it is above the soil surface, dig more out. If it is below, put in more soil and retest the level. Once the plant is set level with the soil surface, add more soil gradually and firm it around the plant using gentle pressure as you go. Scatter native plant fertiliser across the soil surface after planting and the give the plant a good watering.

When To Prune Pseudopanax

Pseudopanax can be trimmed at any time of the year, though winter is the time recommended by The Plant Company. It is the new growth that makes the plants look amazing, so cutting out the older growth to make way for the new growth in spring is the goal. All you need is a good pair of secateurs and aim to trim no more than one-third of the foliage from the plant.

Where Do Pseudopanax Grow Best?

A full sun or partial shade position with good drainage is essential for getting the best results with Pseudopanax. On poorly drained sites or with over-watering they tend to become stunted and sickly looking with leaves dropping. This can also cause and result in root rot issues that may eventually kill the plant if drainage is very poor.

As shade levels increase, Pseudopanax tend to become “leggy” and more open in their growth habit. In full sun they tend to be more compact and denser. The position should also be moderately sheltered so fresh growth is not damaged by wind and this will help produce a better shaped plant overall. Where ever they are grown, make sure they have plenty of room to expand!

Pseudopanax Care

Caring for Pseudopanax is about making sure the plants are growly strongly. Our plant care articles provide the necessary details to give you the greatest chance of success. Afterall, there is nothing worse than putting the effort into planting for them to fail. Therefore, follow our advice for Pseudopanax care and give yourself the best chance of success.

How Do You Care For A Pseudopanax?

Pseudopanax, also known as five finger or whauwhaupaku, is a genus of evergreen shrubs or small trees native to New Zealand. They are relatively easy to care for and can make a great addition to your garden. Here are some general care tips for Pseudopanax:

• Watering: Pseudopanax prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water your plant regularly, especially during periods of hot and dry weather. However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Light: Pseudopanax prefers partial shade to full shade. If you live in a hot climate, it is a good idea to provide your plant with some afternoon shade.
• Soil: Pseudopanax prefers well-drained, fertile soil. You can improve the drainage of your soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
• Fertilizer: Fertilize your Pseudopanax once or twice a year during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
• Pruning: Pseudopanax does not require a lot of pruning. However, you may want to prune your plant to shape it or to remove any dead or diseased branches.
• Pests and diseases: Pseudopanax is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, and fungal diseases. If you notice any pests or diseases on your plant, you can treat them with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.

Pseudopanax is a beautiful and versatile plant that can add interest and colour to your garden. With proper care, your Pseudopanax will thrive for many years to come.

Why Is My Pseudopanax Dying?

There is always a reason why a Pseudopanax plant becomes sick and dies. Most often it is through human error and the following covers 95% of the causes!

• The wrong fertiliser was used or too much of the right fertiliser. Adding large amounts of fertiliser is the same as putting a lot of salt around a plant. Severe cases of either of these issues can result in the death of the plant. The message here is little and often is key.
• If fertiliser was put in the hole during planting without being mixed in and thoroughly watered for the next two weeks this can also cause plants to die.
• Clay soils can become waterlogged and cause the plant to drown. Often you will see yellowing and blackening of the leaves and stems as well as defoliation and wilting if this is occurring.
• Sometimes plants can be killed by weed killer being applied too close which is either taken up by the foliage or roots. Lawn herbicides applied too close to the base of plants is a common issue.
• The simplest reason may be that you didn’t water it during dry spells. Pseudopanax are generally regarded as hardy plants but even well-established plants can succumb to drought.
• It is unlikely that pests have killed your plant, but root disease can. This disease is associated with poorly drained soils and can slowly kill a plant inside of a few months. Phytophthora root rot is very common with Pseudopanax.

Pseudopanax Fertiliser

Providing the best fertiliser for Pseudopanax is important to ensure the plants perform well. The correct fertiliser depends on whether the plant is grown in a pot or in soil, and getting this wrong can be disastrous for your plants. Our articles provide the best advice about Pseudopanax fertiliser so you can achieve the amazing results you are after.

What Is The Best Fertiliser For Pseudopanax Grown In A Pot?

Pseudopanax grown in containers require different fertiliser to those grown outdoors in soil. In this instance the correct fertilisers to use are either the container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets. Each of these will provide safe, sustained, and complete nutrition to the plant for the next 12-months. Using other types of fertiliser can be detrimental to the plant and may result in plant injury or death.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time, but this is not essential if container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets have been used. If you think the plant needs an extra boost or has some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush as the nutrition is right where the plant needs it.

What Is The Best Fertiliser For Pseudopanax?

Pseudopanax are vigorous plants that require feeding to keep them growing optimally. The Plant Company’s native plant fertiliser has been blended to give plants an initial boost and then sustained nutrition for 12-months. We recommend the fertiliser is applied to the soil surface in spring just as the plants start to grow actively. More importantly, we advise that no fertiliser is placed in the hole at planting, but rather spread around the soil surface so it can wash through the roots as it releases. Our fertiliser ensures that nutrients remain in the soil around the plant rather than being lost through the soil profile to where the plant cannot reach it. This also applies to plants grown on sandy soils. This native plant fertiliser is therefore very environmentally friendly and longer lasting than most other products in the market.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if native plant fertiliser has been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush.

Pseudopanax General Information

There is a wealth of information about Pseudopanax and often The Plant Company is asked specific questions that don’t fit into ordinary categories, so we have filed them here!

Are Pseudopanax Evergreen?

Pseudopanax are evergreen shrubs or small trees. This means they keep their leaves year round, even in winter. This is a valuable trait in a garden plant, as it provides year-round interest and colour. Pseudopanax leaves are typically leathery and tough, which helps them to withstand the harsh conditions of winter.

Does Pseudopanax Lessonii Like Shade?

Pseudopanax lessonii can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. However, it prefers partial shade to full shade, especially in hotter climates. In full sun, the leaves may scorch or burn, especially if the plant has not been acclimated. In partial shade, the leaves will be more protected from the sun's rays and will be less likely to scorch. Full shade will also help to keep the soil cool and moist, which is beneficial for Pseudopanax lessonii.

How Did Pseudopanax Get Its Name?

The name Pseudopanax is a clever combination of Greek words Pseudopanax, and its close relative, Panax. Pseudo comes from the Greek word "pseudos" which means "false." Panax refers to the genus Panax, which includes the famous ginseng plant. So, Pseudopanax literally translates to "false ginseng." This name highlights the resemblance between the leaves of Pseudopanax and Panax, but also acknowledges that they are distinct genera.

How Tall Does Pseudopanax Grow?

The mature height of Pseudopanax varies depending on the species. Here are the mature heights of some common Pseudopanax species:

• Pseudopanax arboreus (five finger): Up to 10 m (33 feet) tall
• Pseudopanax crassifolius (lancewood): Up to 12 m (39 feet) tall
• Pseudopanax ferox (fierce lancewood): Up to 6 m (20 feet) tall
• Pseudopanax lessonii (houpara): Up to 3 m (10 feet) tall

Pseudopanax species are generally slow-growing, so it can take many years for them to reach their mature height. However, they can live for a long time, with some specimens estimated to be over 100 years old.

How To Pronounce Pseudopanax

"Pseudopanax" can be a tricky word to pronounce. Here is some assistance to help you:

• Pseudo (soo-doh)
• panax (pan-ax)

A phonemic breakdown is:

• soo-doh: "soo" like in "school" and "doh" like in "go"
• pan: rhymes with "can"
• ax: "a" like in "father" and "x" like the "ks" sound in "box"

What Is The Five Finger Tree?

The Five Finger Tree (Pseudopanax arboreus), also known as Whauwhaupaku, is a small tree native to New Zealand. It's one of the most common trees found in the country, growing in both the North and South Islands. It gets its name from its distinctive leaves which are glossy, dark green, and divided into five to seven leaflets which radiate out to resemble a hand with five fingers.

The Five Finger Tree is a fast-growing and can reach up to 5 m (16 feet) tall. It is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of conditions, including full sun, partial shade, and even poor soil. The tree produces clusters of tiny white flowers in winter, which are followed by small purple-black berries in summer. These berries are a food source for birds. It is a popular choice for landscaping in New Zealand and is often used in native revegetation projects.

What Is The Latin Name For Lancewood?

The lancewood tree is the common name for Pseudopanax crassifolius and Pseudopanax ferox.

What Is The Latin Name For The Five Fingers Plant?

The Five Finger Tree's scientific name is Pseudopanax arboreus.

Where Are Pseudopanax Native To?

There are about 20 species of Pseudopanax, and all of them are native to New Zealand or Norfolk Island. Pseudopanax is a genus of evergreen shrubs or small trees in the family Araliaceae. The name Pseudopanax is derived from the Greek words "pseudo" meaning "false" and "Panax", the name of a related genus. This reflects the fact that the leaves of Pseudopanax resemble those of Panax, but with some key differences.

Pseudopanax Propagation

Propagating Pseudopanax is a relatively straightforward process when you have the right advice. They are easily rooted, and our articles give you the best chance of doing this successfully and efficiently.

How To Propagate Pseudopanax From Cuttings

Pseudopanax are easily propagated from stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings are usually taken from autumn until mid-spring. A stem about 8-10 cm long is trimmed into a cutting using secateurs with 2-3 leaves at the top and just below a node. The cutting is dipped in rooting hormone for 5-10 seconds and then inserted into propagation growing media. The tray of cuttings is placed under mist with bottom heat also applied. The cuttings will have taken root inside of four weeks as a general rule.

Pseudopanax Varieties & Recommendations

The Plant Company has a range of Pseudopanax varieties and we happily share out thoughts and information about each one. Our short articles delve into the popular varieties and uses for Pseudopanax.

Pseudopanax Arboreus Information

Pseudopanax arboreus, commonly known as five-finger or whauwhaupaku has the following characteristics:

• It is a small, bushy tree that typically grows to around 5 m tall, though it can reach up to 8 m in ideal conditions. It has glossy green, leathery leaves with 5-7 leaflets radiating out from a central stalk, resembling a hand with five fingers. This is the origin of the common name, "five-finger". The leaflets have coarsely toothed margins.
• It is native to New Zealand and is widespread throughout the country. It is generally found in both lowland and montane forests, from coastal areas to lower mountain slopes. It tolerates a variety of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and is adaptable to different soil types, as long as they are well-drained.
• Pseudopanax arboreus is dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female trees. The small, white to pink-flushed flowers appear in winter, followed by clusters of dark purple fruits in summer and autumn. These fruits are attractive to birds, who help to disperse the seeds.
• Pseudopanax arboreus is a popular choice for landscaping due to its attractive foliage, ease of care, and tolerance for a range of conditions. It can be used as a hedge, screen, or specimen plant, and provides food and habitat for native birds. It is also considered a fast-growing species.
• Pseudopanax arboreus is not considered a threatened species and is relatively common throughout its range.

Pseudopanax Crassifolius Information

Pseudopanax crassifolius, also known as the lancewood tree or horoeka, is a fascinating New Zealand native tree. It has two distinct growth stages with very different appearances. Here are some of its key features:

• Pseudopanax crassifolius exhibits dramatic heteroblasty, meaning its appearance changes significantly as it matures.
  • Juvenile phase:In its early years (lasting 15-20 years), the lancewood has a single, straight trunk without branches. It's topped by a cluster of long, narrow, and downward-pointing leaves (up to 1 m long) with serrated edges and a prominent central vein.
  • Adult phase: As the tree matures, it transforms into a more typical tree shape. It develops branches, forming a rounded crown with shorter, broader leaves that lack serrations. This shift is so dramatic that early botanists thought they were separate species!
• Mature lancewood trees can reach up to 15 m tall with a trunk diameter of around 50 cm.
• The bark is smooth with prominent rope-like ridges, especially in the juvenile stage.
• It is widespread throughout New Zealand and is found naturally in lowland and montane forests and shrublands on the North, South, and Stewart Islands.
• The juvenile form is particularly abundant in regenerating forests and along forest margins.
• This is one of the few New Zealand native trees pollinated by birds, particularly tui and bellbirds. The small, greenish-yellow flowers produce nectar that attracts these birds, aiding in pollen dispersal.
• A theory suggests the juvenile form's spiky, downward-pointing leaves may have evolved as a defence mechanism against browsing by the moa, a giant flightless bird that once roamed New Zealand.

Pseudopanax crassifolius are widely used in landscaping as specimen trees and to bring both texture and height to a planting.

Pseudopanax Cyril Watson Information

Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson' is a cultivar of Pseudopanax lessonii. It has been specifically selected for its desirable traits:

• It grows with a distinctive, compact, and bushy habit with a rounded shape.
• The leaves are glossy, fresh-green, and are broad and leathery with lighter coloured veins.
• It grows to a maximum height of 3 m (10 feet) and a width of 1.5 m (5 feet).
• It prefers a well-drained soil and a sunny position, though it can tolerate partial shade.
• It grows well in coastal environments and can tolerate dry periods once established.
• Young plants may be slightly frost tender and frost protection is advised.
• 'Cyril Watson' is excellent for:
  • Borders
  • Specimen shrub
  • Privacy screening
  • A container plant for patios or balconies

Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson' is a versatile and attractive shrub that is well-suited for various landscaping applications.

Pseudopanax Dark Star Information

Pseudopanax 'Dark Star' is a stunning cultivar of Pseudopanax lessonii, and is known for its compact growth, and beautiful, contrasting foliage. Some key information includes:

• New growth emerges a stunning bronze or deep purple, gradually maturing to a dark green with a prominent bronze margin that persists on mature leaves.
• The leaves are broad, leathery, and held densely.
• It reaches a maximum height of 2 m (6.5 feet) and a similar width. It grows with a narrow, upright form with erect stems.
• It prefers full sun to partial shade, and thrives in well-drained soil. It will tolerate dry periods once established.
• It is frost tolerant down to -5 °C.
• 'Dark Star' is excellent for:
  • Informal hedging
  • As a specimen plant
  • Privacy screening
  • A container plant for patios or balconies
  • Native gardens

Pseudopanax 'Dark Star' is a low-maintenance shrub that provides year-round visual interest with its unique and striking foliage. It's a great choice for gardeners looking for a compact, colourful, and hardy addition to a landscape.

Pseudopanax Ferox Information

Pseudopanax ferox, commonly known as toothed lancewood or horoeka is a small tree endemic to New Zealand. It is recognised for its foliage and dramatic change in appearance as it matures to 8 m (26 feet) tall. Some further characteristics include:

• The juvenile form features a single upright trunk up to 3-6 m (10-20 feet) tall. It has downward-pointing, long and narrow leaves that have irregular bumps along their edges. These juvenile leaves can be a very dark grey-brown to a grey-green colour.
• Once it reaches its determined height, the tree develops branches and forms a rounded crown of foliage. The adult leaves are long, narrow, and leathery with a few teeth on the margin towards the tip, and are dark green.
• Tiny purple flowers in winter are followed by small, purple fruit.
• It prefers a well-drained soil in full sun or with dappled light. It can tolerate low fertility soils and is drought tolerant once established. It is found in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand.
• Pseudopanax ferox is popular as an ornamental tree due to its unique juvenile foliage. However, be aware that it is slow-growing, only reaching about 2 m (6 feet) tall after 5 years.
• Conservation Status: While not currently endangered, populations are threatened by possum, deer and goat browsing.

Pseudopanax In The Plant Company’s Database

The list of Pseudopanax that The Plant Company has cataloged, worked on, propagated, and marketed is extensive. Our database of Pseudopanax varieties is listed below:

• Pseudopanax 'Adiantifolius'
• Pseudopanax arboreus
• Pseudopanax 'Black Knight'
• Pseudopanax 'Black Ruby'
• Pseudopanax 'Bronze Eagle'
• Pseudopanax colensoi
• Pseudopanax crassifolius
• Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson'
• Pseudopanax 'Dark Star'
• Pseudopanax discolor
• Pseudopanax 'Dreamtime'
• Pseudopanax ferox
• Pseudopanax 'Fiddlesticks'
• Pseudopanax 'Forest Gem'
• Pseudopanax 'Gecko Gold'
• Pseudopanax 'Gold Finger'
• Pseudopanax 'Gold Splash'
• Pseudopanax laetus
• Pseudopanax lessonii
• Pseudopanax lessonii 'purpurea'
• Pseudopanax 'linearifolius'
• Pseudopanax 'Moa's Toes'
• Pseudopanax 'Nigra'
• Pseudopanax 'Rangatira'
• Pseudopanax 'Sabre'
• Pseudopanax 'Telstar'
• Pseudopanax 'Trident'
• Pseudopanax 'Tuatara'

Pseudopanax Laetus Information

Pseudopanax laetus, commonly known as Five Finger or Whauwhaupaku is an attractive, small tree or shrub reaching up to 5 m (16 feet) tall with a multi-branched form. It has large and glossy, dark green leaves with 5-7 leaflets radiating from a central stalk, resembling a hand with five fingers. Further information includes:

• Endemic to the North Island of New Zealand, found from Coromandel Peninsula to inland Gisborne and Taranaki regions.
• Thrives in montane forests, preferring damp and sheltered areas.
• Small, white flowers are borne in clusters during spring and summer. These are followed by fleshy, purple fruits that mature from spring to late summer. These are a favourite food source for some birds.
• It is easy to grow and tolerates full sun to partial shade and most well-drained soils. It prefers moist conditions but can handle dry periods once established.
• It is fast-growing and is a good choice for a quick screen or privacy hedge.
• It is a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage, flowers, and fruits.
• Unfortunately, Pseudopanax laetus is highly palatable to browsing animals like possums. This can lead to damage or even elimination of the plant in areas with high browsing pressure.

Pseudopanax Lancewood Tree Information

The lancewood tree, also known as horoeka, is a unique and fascinating small tree native to New Zealand. Some information about Lancewoods include:

• They can grow up to 15 m tall with a trunk diameter of around 50 cm.
• They have smooth bark, with rope-like ridges that are particularly prominent in the juvenile form.
• One of the most interesting features of the lancewood tree is its dramatic change in appearance as it matures.
  • Juvenile lancewood trees have a very straight and thin trunk without branches and a cluster of long, narrow, deflexed leaves at the top. These leaves can be up to 1 m long with a prominent central rib and serrated edges.
  • Adult lancewood trees develop a more branched form and a rounded crown. They have shorter and broader leaves that are not serrated.
• Lancewood trees are common throughout New Zealand, found in lowland and montane forests and shrublands on the North, South, and Stewart Islands. The juvenile form is particularly abundant in regenerating bush and along forest edges.
• Lancewood trees hold a special place in Maori culture. The wood is extremely strong and durable, making it ideal for carving, fishing spears, and weapons. Additionally, the tree is considered a taonga (treasure) and is protected by the Treaty of Waitangi.
• The lancewood tree is one of the few New Zealand native trees that is pollinated by birds, specifically by the tui and bellbird. The small, greenish-yellow flowers produce nectar that attracts these birds, which then help to spread the tree's pollen.

Pseudopanax Lessonii Characteristics

Pseudopanax lessonii, commonly known as houpara or coastal five finger, is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 m tall with stout branches and a dense network of branches. Some of its characteristics include:

• The most recognizable feature of Pseudopanax lessonii are its glossy, deep green leaves. These leaves are palmate, meaning they have 3 to 5 leaflets radiating out from a central point like fingers on a hand, hence the common name "five finger".
• Small, greenish-yellow flowers appear in summer, followed by small, green berries that mature to black and are attractive to birds .
• It is a NZ native plant that is commonly found in coastal scrub and forests throughout the North Island. It tolerates dry conditions, wind, and some moderate frost once established.

Pseudopanax lessonii is valued for its attractive foliage and tolerance for coastal conditions. It can be used as a hedge, screen, or specimen plant. It also provides food and habitat for native birds.

Pseudopanax Sabre Information

Pseudopanax 'Sabre' is a beautiful evergreen shrub known for its striking foliage. It is a hybrid between Pseudopanax crassifolius and Pseudopanax lessonii.

• The juvenile form features long and narrow, lance-shaped leaves with a distinctive serrated edge. These have a prominent yellowish-orange midrib.
• As the plant matures, the leaves become shorter, darker green, and the crown develops a rounded shape.
• It grows to a about 3 m (10 feet) tall and 2 m (6.5 feet) wide at maturity.
• It prefers full sun to partial shade, and thrives in well-drained soil. It will tolerate dry periods once established.
• It is frost tolerant down to -7 °C.
• 'Sabre' is excellent for:
  • Informal hedging
  • As a specimen plant
  • Privacy screening
  • A container plant for patios or balconies
  • Native gardens

Pseudopanax 'Sabre' is a versatile and low-maintenance shrub that offers year-round visual interest with its unique foliage. It's a great choice for gardeners looking to add texture and height to a landscape.

Pseudopanax Tuatara Information

Pseudopanax 'Tuatara' is a cultivar of Pseudopanax lessonii and is known for its architectural form and unique foliage. Some key information includes:

• Dark green to purple leaves with a leathery texture and a slightly lobed shape. The leaves can have a reddish tinge.
• It reaches a maximum height of 2 m (6.5 feet) and a similar width.
• It grows with a compact and bushy habit with multiple stems.
• It prefers full sun to partial shade, and develops darker colouring in full sun.
• It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil.
• Requires regular watering, particularly during the first growing season and during dry periods. However, be mindful not to overwater it.
• It is generally considered hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to -7°C (19°F).
• It tolerates wind and is suitable for planting in coastal areas.
• Garden uses:
  • Small Gardens: Its compact size makes it ideal for limited spaces.
  • Architectural Element: Its structured form and unique foliage add a sculptural element to garden design.
  • Hedging and Screening
  • Mixed Plantings: Adds texture and contrast when planted alongside other shrubs and flowers.
  • Containers: Well-suited for container planting on patios, balconies, or courtyards.

Pseudopanax 'Tuatara' is a versatile and low-maintenance shrub that provides year-round visual interest. Its architectural form and unique foliage make it a standout element in gardens, particularly for those seeking a touch of the unusualness.

What Are Some Of The Most Common Pseudopanax?

Some of the most common Pseudopanax species include:

• Pseudopanax arboreus: This species is known as the five finger or whauwhaupaku. It is a small tree or large shrub that can grow up to 10 m tall. The leaves have five to seven lobes. The flowers are small and white, and result in black berries.
• Pseudopanax crassifolius: This species is known as the lancewood or horoeka. It is a small tree or large shrub that can grow up to 12 m tall. The leaves are lanceolate, with serrated edges. The flowers are small and green, and result in black berries.
• Pseudopanax ferox: This species is known as the fierce lancewood. It is a small tree or large shrub that can grow up to 6 m tall. The leaves are lanceolate, with serrated edges. The flowers are small and green, and result in black berries.
• Pseudopanax lessonii: This species is known as the houpara or coastal five finger. It is a shrub that can grow up to 3 m tall. The leaves have five to seven lobes. The flowers are small and white, and result in black berries.

Pseudopanax species are an important part of New Zealand's biodiversity. They provide food and habitat for a variety of animals, and they play an important role in the regeneration of forests.