large leaf umbrella tree

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

Bring bold, tropical flair to your New Zealand home or garden with the large leaf umbrella tree, known botanically as Schefflera actinophylla. This striking plant is loved for its dramatic, glossy green leaves that radiate like spokes from sturdy stems, creating a lush "umbrella" effect. With its vibrant foliage and fast, upright growth, the large leaf umbrella tree makes an eye-catching feature indoors or outdoors in frost-free areas. Whether you’re creating a verdant indoor jungle or seeking a distinctive centerpiece for your patio, Schefflera actinophylla delivers high-impact greenery with minimal fuss.

Schefflera actinophylla

Schefflera actinophylla (Umbrella Tree) is a striking evergreen tree admired for its large glossy leaves that radiate like the spokes of an umbrella. Its lush tropical appearance makes it a popular feature tree for warm New Zealand gardens and a dramatic indoor specimen when young.

Buy Schefflera actinophylla

From $199.95

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

More species and varieties of Schefflera

Popular Evergreen Shrubs

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Why Choose the Large Leaf Umbrella Tree?

Schefflera actinophylla’s broad, hand-shaped leaves can span up to 30 centimetres, offering privacy, shade, and an instant tropical vibe. Its natural resilience and adaptability make it suitable for both beginner and seasoned plant owners. Under the right conditions, your large leaf umbrella tree may even reward you with unique, finger-like red flower spikes that attract native birds. Because of their size and growth habit, these trees are also a fantastic choice for offices and commercial spaces where you want to introduce lush plant life with little maintenance.

Care Tips for Schefflera actinophylla

To keep your large leaf umbrella tree thriving, provide it with bright, indirect light if grown indoors, or a lightly shaded spot if outdoors. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings—overwatering can lead to root rot. Occasionally, wipe the large leaves to keep them dust-free and glossy. Schefflera actinophylla adapts well to container growth and appreciates regular feeding throughout the active growing season.

If you enjoy Schefflera plants but have a smaller space, consider the Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree) or the striking chartreuse foliage of Schefflera arboricola variegated. For a lush, dark green option, Schefflera Green Goblin (Green Arboricola) is also a favourite among indoor gardeners.

Landscaping with Schefflera actinophylla

Thanks to its tall, graceful presence, the large leaf umbrella tree is often used as a statement plant on a sheltered deck, in a bright foyer, or as a living screen in subtropical gardens. Combine it with colourful, flowering shrubs such as Azalea 'Peach Kirin' and Nandina Harbor Belle to create vibrant foliage contrasts. Or pair it with natives like Metrosideros 'Vibrance' for a low-maintenance, bird-friendly border.

Looking for more options within the Schefflera family? The uniquely fingered Schefflera digitata (Seven Finger) and Schefflera Hong Kong each bring their own charm and adaptability to indoor collections and subtropical landscapes.

Find Your Next Favourite Plant

The large leaf umbrella tree is a bold, adaptable choice for Kiwi homes and gardens looking for statement foliage. Explore our wider range of Schefflera varieties and companion plants to add depth, colour, and texture to your indoor or outdoor 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.