Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

evergreen umbrella tree

The evergreen umbrella tree is a striking, low-maintenance plant that brings a touch of the tropics to New Zealand gardens and interiors. Loved for its lush, glossy foliage and graceful shape, it thrives in a variety of environments and is an excellent choice for those seeking a bold yet unfussy statement plant. Whether you're designing a backyard retreat or looking for an eye-catching indoor specimen, the evergreen umbrella tree is a versatile addition that offers year-round greenery.

schefflera-arboricola-

Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

5 from 1 customers

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid green, glossy, and comprises of multiple, large leaflets in a fan arrangement. Outdoors it will grow to about 1 m tall and the same wide, though it can be trimmed as necessary. Indoors, the Dwarf Umbrella Tree can be contained to any desired size. Schefflera arboricola is commonly grown as a potted plant, added to tropical gardens, included in a mixed planting, planted around outdoor living areas, or used for bonsai. NB: Schefflera arboricola also has the synonymous name: Heptapleurum arboricola.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical, White
schefflera-actinophylla--1

Schefflera actinophylla

The Schefflera actinophylla plant, commonly known as the Umbrella Tree or Umbrella Plant, is an evergreen tree that originates from rain forests. It features large and lush, bright green leaves that radiate outwards in an umbrella-like fashion. It typically grows to 8 m tall and 4 m wide, and can be trimmed as necessary. When grown indoors as a potted plant it is often contained to anywhere from 1.5 m tall to 3 m tall. Schefflera actinophylla is typically grown outdoors in warmer climates as a specimen or added to a mixed planting. It is also well suited to tropical gardens, planting around outdoor living areas, or maintaining in a container. NB: This Schefflera plant also has the synonymous name: Brassaia actinophylla.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 8.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Containers, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Cyperus ustulatus growing in water.

Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Cyperus ustulatus, commonly known as the Giant Umbrella Sedge, is a large and robust NZ native grass. It grows as a clump and produces dark green...

From$17.48
sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
lagunaria-patersonia-3

Lagunaria patersonia

Lagunaria patersonia, commonly known as the Primrose Tree, is an attractive, evergreen tree featuring lovely flowers. The showy, single flowers are...

From$343.89
Achillea 'Anthea' yellow flowers.

Achillea Anthea

Achillea Anthea is a variety of commonly known, Yarrow or Milfoil, and is grown for its elegant sprays of umbrella shaped, lemon-yellow flowers. The...

From$21.53
magnolia-grandiflora-jade-emperor-

Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor)

Magnolia grandiflora Jade Emperor, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and...

From$343.89
magnolia-grandiflora-kay-parris-

Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris)

Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and showy...

From$343.89
crassula-ovata-

Crassula ovata (Money Tree)

Crassula ovata is a versatile plant ideal for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and easy care.

From$28.28
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$26.93
fraxinus-griffithii-3

Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash)

Fraxinus griffithii is a standout choice for New Zealand gardens. Fraxinus griffithii, commonly known as the Evergreen Ash tree, is an attractive...

From$299.92
schinus-molle-3

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree)

Schinus molle, commonly known as the California Pepper Tree, is an evergreen tree grown for its attractive form and foliage. The leaves are bright...

From$343.89
A large and showy Quercus ilex specimen tree in a field.

Quercus ilex

Quercus ilex, commonly known as the Holm Oak or Evergreen Oak, is an evergreen tree with lush foliage. The dark green leaves are glossy and...

From$299.92
Fuchsia arborescens tree with pink flowers and lush green foliage.

Fuchsia arborescens (Tree Fuchsia)

Fuchsia arborescens is an evergreen shrub favoured for its pretty flowers, which are produced almost year-round. Large and showy clusters of...

From$22.28
Alnus jorullensis lush green foliage.

Alnus jorullensis

Alnus jorullensis (Evergreen Alder, Mexican Alder) is a fast growing and versatile tree that performs superbly in many New Zealand landscapes. It is...

From$176.27
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.

Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$97.13
daphniphyllum-macropodum-3

Daphniphyllum macropodum

Daphniphyllum macropodum is a truly impressive evergreen tree. The young growth in spring resembles masses of miniature Cycads and has red hues...

From$343.89
sorbus-scarlet-king-

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.

Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$457.29
magnolia-grandiflora-teddy-bear-4

Magnolia Teddy Bear (Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear)

Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear, commonly known as the Magnolia Teddy Bear Tree, is a variety of Southern Magnolia, and is an evergreen tree with...

From$299.92
Lomandra Evergreen Baby growing as a ground cover with lush, green foliage.

Lomandra Evergreen Baby

Lomandra Evergreen Baby is a compact, evergreen ornamental grass known for its delicate, deep-green foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to...

From$17.48
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
A Ficus hillii (Evergreen Fig) specimen tree with lush, green foliage.

Ficus Hillii (Australian Banyan)

Ficus hillii (Evergreen Fig, Hill's Fig) is a fast growing evergreen tree valued for its dense glossy green foliage and excellent screening ability...

From$24.23
liriope-muscari-evergreen-giant-

Liriope 'Evergreen Giant'

Liriope 'Evergreen Giant' is an herbaceous perennial that grows as a clump and produces strap-like, dark green leaves. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.18
chiranthodendron-pentadactylon-2

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon (Monkeys Hand Tree)

Commonly known as the Monkeys Hand Tree, this is an evergreen tree grown for its flowers and stature. Amidst the lush, green foliage are borne showy...

From$146.79
acer-princeton-gold-

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$391.14
magnolia-margaret-helen-

Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$343.89
magnolia-amethyst-flame-2

Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$432.79
azalea-indica--1

Azalea indica

This variety of Azalea grown for its lovely form and profuse flowering. This hardy, evergreen shrub produces masses of small and showy, lightly...

ulmus-lobel-

Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$343.89
dichroa-blue-stars--1

Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea)

Dichroa 'Blue Stars' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its clusters of intense blue star shaped flowers followed by brilliant metallic blue...

From$29.63
Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Achillea, Alnus, Azalea, Cedrela, Chiranthodendron, Crassula, Cyperus, Dacrydium, Daphniphyllum, Dichroa, Ficus, Fraxinus, Fuchsia, Lagunaria, Liriodendron, Liriope, Lomandra, Magnolia, Metrosideros, Phyllocladus, Quercus, Schefflera, Schinus, Sequoiadendron Sorbus and Ulmus, or related Categories - Grasses, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Azaleas, Evergreen Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search evergreen umbrella tree

What Is an Evergreen Umbrella Tree?

The evergreen umbrella tree refers most commonly to Schefflera actinophylla, also known as the Queensland Umbrella Tree. This fast-growing shrub or small tree is celebrated for its impressive canopy of radiating leaflets—resembling the ribs of an umbrella—that create a lush, tropical appearance. Mature plants may develop dramatic clusters of red flowers, adding bursts of colour during the warmer months. With evergreen leaves, the umbrella tree keeps its vibrant foliage throughout the year, making it a reliable source of structure and beauty in your outdoor or indoor space.

Growing and Caring for Evergreen Umbrella Tree in New Zealand

Caring for the evergreen umbrella tree is straightforward, making it a favourite for both novice and experienced gardeners. It prefers well-drained soil, regular watering, and a sheltered spot with bright, indirect light. The plant tolerates partial shade and adapts well to both garden beds and large containers, giving you plenty of options for placement. For indoor locations, consider Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree), which is well-suited to homes and offices thanks to its compact growth and adaptability to lower light.

Pruning your evergreen umbrella tree as needed helps encourage dense, bushy growth. It’s also worth noting that Schefflera actinophylla and similar species can become quite large outdoors but are easily managed indoors or in pots. Regularly wiping the leaves maintains their shine and prevents pest buildup. In frost-prone areas, provide protection during winter or consider moving container-grown plants inside.

Landscape and Design Uses

In landscaping, the evergreen umbrella tree is highly versatile. Its upright form and umbrella-like leaves make it an ideal feature plant or backdrop for smaller shrubs and flowering perennials. Planted en masse, it can also create a beautiful, informal privacy screen. For a harmonious design, pair with other lush foliage plants such as Cyperus papyrus (Umbrella Papyrus) or Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge), which share similar moisture and sun preferences. If you’re interested in adding vivid floral impact in the same tropical style, the Delonix regia (Flamboyan Tree) offers spectacular seasonal blooms.

Why Choose Evergreen Umbrella Tree?

Choosing the evergreen umbrella tree for your garden or home means enjoying a timeless look with minimal fuss. Its resilience, year-round foliage, and adaptability make it one of the best plants for those wanting vibrant greenery without constant maintenance. Explore our range of Schefflera actinophylla and related species to find the perfect variety for your gardening project. With the right care, the evergreen umbrella tree will reward you with tropical charm for years to come.


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.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews