Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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lancewood plant

The lancewood plant is one of New Zealand’s most distinctive native trees, instantly recognisable for its striking juvenile foliage and unique growth habit. Perfect for native gardens, landscaping projects, and eco-conscious planting, lancewood adds a touch of drama and intrigue wherever it’s grown. Whether you’re fascinated by our flora or searching for hardy, architectural plants, the lancewood plant has much to offer your garden.

Pseudopanax crassifolius growing in a garden with dark green foliage.

Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood)

Pseudopanax crassifolius, commonly known as Lancewood or Horoeka, is a distinctive New Zealand native tree renowned for its dramatic transformation from juvenile to adult form. In its youth, it showcases long, narrow, downward-pointing leaves with toothed margins, which over time mature into shorter, broader leaves forming a rounded canopy. This evolutionary adaptation is believed to have deterred browsing by Moa birds.

Buy Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood)

From $25.58

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 5.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Tolerances: Hardy, Wet

Garden uses: Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native

Full sized Pseudopanax ferox (Fierce Lancewood) at four years old.

Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood)

Pseudopanax ferox, commonly known as Fierce or Toothed Lancewood, is a NZ native tree that features interesting juvenile and mature forms. The juvenile leaves are long and slender with strongly toothed margins, while the adult form is much bushier and has a braided appearance. It grows slowly to eventually reach 8 m in height and 3 m in width. Pseudopanax ferox is commonly used as an architectural feature, added to a mixed planting, or grown around the pool or patio areas, where it is contained with trimming.

Buy Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood)

From $22.88

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 8.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy

Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native

Why Grow Lancewood in Your Garden?

The lancewood plant, known botanically as Pseudopanax crassifolius, stands out with its long, narrow, saw-edged leaves when young, gradually transforming into a spreading, leafy canopy as it matures. This transformation makes the lancewood highly sought-after for adding visual interest over time. It’s naturally resistant to many pests and diseases, highly tolerant of wind and drought, and requires minimal maintenance once established. If you’re keen to introduce authentic New Zealand natives into your outdoor space, the Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood) is an excellent choice.

Lancewood Plant Varieties

Gardeners looking to diversify with different lancewood forms should explore related species. The Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood) showcases even more dramatic, serrated foliage, making it a statement specimen for bold planting designs. These varieties thrive in a range of conditions and suit both urban and rural gardens.

Design Ideas and Companion Plants

Lancewood plants make striking centrepieces in native planting schemes, urban landscapes, or as specimen trees in lawn areas. For added contrast and year-round interest, combine lancewood with other New Zealand natives or feature plants. Mix with the glossy foliage of indoor species like Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant) for contrast or introduce tough perennials such as Ranunculus White - Potted Plant to bring seasonal blooms to your garden. If you enjoy lush greenery and low-maintenance companions, consider adding Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant) for shaded corners or container displays.

How to Plant and Care for Lancewood

The lancewood plant prefers sunny or semi-shaded sites with well-drained soil. While they tolerate dry periods once established, young plants benefit from regular watering during their first summer, along with a layer of mulch to retain moisture and protect developing roots. Minimal pruning is required, and fertiliser needs are low, making them perfect for sustainable and low-input gardens.

Discover New Zealand’s Unique Flora

Adding a lancewood plant to your garden is a fantastic way to celebrate New Zealand’s natural heritage. Its remarkable transformation and hardy nature mean the lancewood plant is equally at home in modern landscapes as it is in traditional native gardens. Explore our range of plants, including Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood) and Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood), and start creating your own native oasis.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.