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

large leaf umbrella tree

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, Actinophylla Schefflera, Schefflera actinophylla Plant, Umbrella Tree, Umbrella Plant, Brassaia actinophylla, Actinophylla, S actinophylla, Schefflera Plant

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.

schefflera-actinophylla--1
  • 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
schefflera-arboricola-
Most Popular Schefflera arboricola

Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree) is a popular evergreen plant valued for its lush foliage, attractive growth habit, and versatility. The...

From$27.53
schefflera-green-goblin-
Most Popular Schefflera Green Goblin (Green Arboricola)

Schefflera Green Goblin, commonly known as the Green Arboricola, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid green...

From$30.29
schefflera-variegata-
Most Popular Schefflera arboricola variegated

The variegated Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola Variegated) is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant due to its attractive and...

From$27.53
Schefflera Hong Kong lush green plant.
Most Popular Schefflera Hong Kong

Schefflera arboricola Hong Kong is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant due to its attractive and variegated foliage. It features glossy...

schefflera-digitata-
Most Popular Schefflera digitata

Schefflera digitata (Seven Finger Plant) is a distinctive New Zealand native tree admired for its large glossy leaves and lush tropical appearance...

Loropetalum 'Plum Gorgeous' with beautiful purple foliage growing out across a deck.
Most Popular Loropetalum 'Plum Gorgeous'

Loropetalum 'Plum Gorgeous' produces fragrant, spider-like, dark pink flowers during spring and autumn, which are both unusual and appealing. The...

From$28.91
Abelia 'Francis Mason' shrub with yellow foliage and pink-white flowers.
Most Popular Abelia 'Francis Mason'

Abelia 'Francis Mason' is a vibrant and versatile shrub loved for its golden yellow foliage and clusters of soft pink to white flowers in summer and...

From$18.95
rhododendron-mount-everest-
Most Popular Rhododendron 'Mt Everest'

Rhododendron 'Mt Everest' is a magnificent evergreen shrub admired for its impressive flowering display and lush dark green foliage. During spring...

From$37.19
A Loropetalum 'Fire Dance' plant with gorgeous purple foliage and pink flowers growing in a pot.
Most Popular Loropetalum 'Fire Dance'

Loropetalum 'Fire Dance' features spectacularly coloured flowers and foliage. During winter, it produces fragrant, spider-like, pink flowers, which...

From$28.91
Syzygium Resilience hedge.
Most Popular Syzygium 'Resilience'

Syzygium 'Resilience', commonly known as Lilly Pilly 'Resilience', is a popular evergreen shrub valued for its glossy foliage, dense growth habit...

From$27.53
Schefflera actinophylla

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Schefflera or Evergreen Shrubs.

Search Schefflera actinophylla

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.

The spotlight often lands on Rhododendron Vireya 'Pink Jazz' and Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald', but Fagus 'Dawyck Gold', Hibiscus 'Jeanne D Arc', and Lemon 'Ponderosa' deserve a standing ovation too.
–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.

4.8

445 Google reviews