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five finger leaf plant

If you’ve set your sights on the five finger leaf plant for your New Zealand garden, you’re in excellent company. This iconic native is prized for its distinctive foliage and adaptability, making it a top choice for homeowners, landscapers, and plant enthusiasts. The five finger leaf plant isn’t just a single species; rather, it’s a common name shared by several beloved New Zealand natives in the Pseudopanax genus—and even a charming fern. Whether you’re seeking shelter, visual interest, or a resilient, low-maintenance shrub, the five finger leaf plant truly delivers.

Pseudopanax lessonii lush, green foliage.

Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger)

Pseudopanax lessonii, commonly known as Five-Finger or Houpara, is a lush, native New Zealand shrub or small tree prized for its tropical appearance and bold foliage. It grows 2–5 metres tall, with glossy, leathery leaves arranged in distinct, finger-like clusters.

From $26.15

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.50 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
Ficus elastica 'Ruby' plants with colourful foliage.

Ficus 'Ruby'

Ficus 'Ruby' is a popular indoor plant owing to its amazing, tri-coloured foliage. The large, glossy leaves are variegated with dark red, pink, and cream, and are held off a solitary stem as it grows to 80 cm tall and 50 cm wide. Ficus 'Ruby' is commonly grown as a potted plant in offices and homes.

From $37.19

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe 'Triostar'

Stromanthe 'Triostar' is a striking tropical foliage plant prized for its colourful leaves patterned in green, cream, and pink with rich burgundy...

From$33.05
Ficus elastica 'Melany' plant in a pot.
Ficus elastica 'Melany'

Ficus Melany is a compact glossy leaved rubber plant known for its deep green foliage and upright form. Ideal for NZ homes and offices it adds...

From$33.05
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Pseudopanax 'Gold Finger'

Pseudopanax 'Gold Finger' is a striking New Zealand native shrub valued for its distinctive golden green foliage and strong architectural form. The...

From$270.40
Dracaena 'Warneckii' plant.
Dracaena 'Warneckii'

Dracaena 'Warneckii' is a bold and attractive indoor plant featuring long, arching green leaves striped with clean white or cream. Its upright canes...

From$64.79
iresine-herbstii-
Iresine herbstii (Blood Leaf)

Iresine herbstii (Blood Leaf) is a colourful foliage plant prized for its vibrant red and purple leaves. The bold foliage provides outstanding...

From$23.39
Sansevieria 'Black Coral' plants growing in pots.
Sansevieria 'Black Coral'

Sansevieria 'Black Coral' is a striking evergreen houseplant valued for its tall, upright leaves and dark green colouring with distinctive lighter...

From$32.95
Ficus benjamina 'variegata' foliage.
Ficus benjamina 'Variegata'

Ficus benjamina 'Variegata' is a popular indoor plant owing to its colourful foliage. It has a short trunk that supports a dense canopy of dark green...

From$71.69
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.63
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Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
A Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' tree.
Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves'

Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' is an ornamental pear admired for its vibrant autumn colour display. This deciduous tree produces lush green foliage through...

From$515.35
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Princess' tree with fine green foliage tinged with purple.
Acer 'Crimson Princess'

Acer 'Crimson Princess' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its deeply cut, cascading burgundy foliage that intensifies through the seasons. This...

From$299.95
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) fruit with yellow flesh cut in half.
Citrus australasica

Citrus australasica, commonly known as the Finger Lime or Caviar Lime, is an evergreen shrub grown for its unusual fruit, which is regarded as a food...

From$34.95
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
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Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
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10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
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Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$16.95
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2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
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5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
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3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
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1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
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Native Plant Fertiliser

Native Plant Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth in a wide range of NZ native plants. It provides balanced nutrition to...

From$16.95
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0.5 Litre Plant Pots

0.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young plants, herbs, seedlings, and smaller ornamentals. Their compact size makes them ideal...

From$23.04
Plant watering bottle for watering a plant on a shelf.
Plant Watering Bottle

Plant Watering Bottles provide a simple and convenient way to deliver water directly to indoor plants, seedlings, cuttings, and small container...

From$55.13
White waterproof paper plant tags for sale.
Waterproof Paper Plant Tags

Waterproof Paper Plant Tags provide a practical way to label plants, trays, pots, and nursery stock while resisting moisture during everyday growing...

From$26.78
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Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$34.95
A lush Pseudopanax laetus shrub.
Pseudopanax laetus (Five Finger)

Pseudopanax laetus, commonly known as the Large-leaved Five Finger, is a striking New Zealand native shrub renowned for its lush, glossy green...

OUT OF STOCK
A tui feeding on the berries and flowers in a Pseudopanax arboreus (Whauwhaupaku) tree.
Pseudopanax arboreus (Five-Finger)

Pseudopanax arboreus, commonly known as Five Finger or Whauwhaupaku, is a fast-growing NZ native tree that typically reaches 4–6 m tall. It features...

OUT OF STOCK
Adiantum aleuticum ferns growing as a cluster and featuring lush,green foliage.
Adiantum aleuticum (Five-Finger Fern)

Adiantum aleuticum, commonly known as the Western Maidenhair Fern or Five-Finger Fern, carries attractive, soft, mid-green foliage. The new fronds...

OUT OF STOCK
Pseudopanax colensoi dark green leaves.
Pseudopanax colensoi (Mountain Five Finger)

Pseudopanax colensoi, commonly known as Rautawhiri, is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub or small tree prized for its leathery, glossy green...

OUT OF STOCK
Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Dracaena, Ficus, and Iresine, or related Categories - Indoor Plants, Perennials, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search five finger leaf plant

What Is a Five Finger Leaf Plant?

The term “five finger leaf plant” typically refers to the unique leaves composed of five leaflets, giving the plant its hand-shaped appearance. The most widely recognised is Pseudopanax arboreus (Five-Finger), a fast-growing, small tree ideal for gardens and shelterbelts throughout New Zealand. Its glossy green leaves and upright form make it a striking addition to native plantings, urban gardens, and restoration projects.

Popular Varieties of Five Finger Leaf Plant

Several species feature the iconic five-fingered foliage, each bringing unique benefits to your garden:

Uses and Benefits in the Garden

The five finger leaf plant is celebrated for its versatility. Its bold foliage adds texture and depth to mixed borders and native gardens. As a shelter plant, Pseudopanax arboreus (Five-Finger) offers year-round protection for more delicate specimens. For those in exposed coastal locations, Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger) is a champion against harsh winds.

These natives are also essential for supporting local bird and insect populations. Their flowers attract pollinators, while the structure provides nesting sites for birds. Adding a five finger leaf plant to your landscape is a great way to foster biodiversity and maintain a true Kiwi atmosphere.

How to Grow and Care for Five Finger Leaf Plant

Most five finger leaf plant varieties are easy to grow and suit a wide range of conditions. They prefer well-drained soil, regular watering during establishment, and a bit of shelter from harsh frosts. Once settled, species such as Pseudopanax laetus (Five Finger) and Pseudopanax arboreus (Five-Finger) are incredibly low maintenance, requiring little more than the occasional prune.

If you’re looking to add native charm, resilience, and ecological value to your New Zealand garden, the five finger leaf plant is a must-have. Explore options like Pseudopanax colensoi (Mountain Five Finger) and Adiantum aleuticum (Five-Finger Fern) to discover the perfect fit for your garden style.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Start your garden with Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia 'Veitchii', and add depth with lesser-known gems like Hemerocallis 'Wee William Mullis', Gardenia 'Lace Lady', and Michelia 'Paton Pink'.
–The Plant Company

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