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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.

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 foliage. This evergreen plant produces small, cream-coloured flowers in spring, followed by red berries that attract native birds, such as the Tui. It grows to approximately 3 metres in height and width, making it an excellent choice for native gardens, tropical-themed landscapes, or as a backdrop for smaller plants.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
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. Ideal for coastal gardens, native plantings, or as a striking feature in the garden, Houpara thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Its resilience and unique form make it a favourite for modern and native landscape designs.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 3.00 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
A tui feeding on the berries and flowers in a Pseudopanax arboreus (Whauwhaupaku) tree.
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Pseudopanax laetus (Five Finger)

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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.


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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.

Start your garden with Avocado 'Reed' and Ficus benjamina, and add depth with lesser-known gems like Hypoestes 'Splash White', Rose Flower Carpet Pink, and Deutzia Compact Pink (Compact Pink Deutzia).
–The Plant Company

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