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pseudopanax five finger

Pseudopanax five finger is a much-loved native New Zealand shrub that can be found brightening gardens and landscapes across the country. Known for its striking hand-shaped foliage and adaptability, this versatile plant instantly provides a lush, subtropical feel. Whether you're looking to add structure to your native planting, attract birds, or create a quick-growing privacy screen, pseudopanax five finger is an ideal choice. With several sought-after varieties and species available, gardeners can select the perfect type for coastal, mountainous, or urban settings.

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.

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...

From$18.83
A small Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson' shrub with lush, bright green foliage.

Pseudopanax Cyril Watson

Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson' is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub, recognised for its lush, glossy green foliage with 3 to 5 rounded, partially...

From$299.92
pseudopanax-lessonii-gold-finger-

Pseudopanax Gold Finger

Pseudopanax Gold Finger features leathery and narrow leaves which emerge bright yellow and slowly age to dark green. It typically grows to 2 m tall...

From$299.92
Pseudopanax lessonii purpurea shrub in a garden with purple and green foliage.

Pseudopanax lessonii purpurea

Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea' is a striking New Zealand native shrub known for its glossy, deep purple foliage and bold, tropical appearance...

From$36.38
A Pseudopanax 'Sabre' shrub in a garden with spectacular foliage.

Pseudopanax Sabre

Pseudopanax 'Sabre' is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub, known for its slender, upright habit and leathery, bronze-flushed, dark green leaves...

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Pseudopanax Dark Star

Pseudopanax 'Dark Star' is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub, celebrated for its vibrant, dark foliage and architectural form. This evergreen...

From$26.93
Pseudopanax crassifolius growing in a garden with dark green foliage.

Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood)

Pseudopanax crassifolius, commonly known as Lancewood or Horoeka, is a distinctive New Zealand native tree renowned for its dramatic transformation...

From$25.58
Full sized Pseudopanax ferox (Fierce Lancewood) at four years old.

Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood)

Pseudopanax ferox, commonly known as Fierce or Toothed Lancewood, is a NZ native tree that features interesting juvenile and mature forms. The...

From$22.88
Hibiscus 'Isobel Beard' pink flower.

Hibiscus 'Isobel Beard'

Hibiscus 'Isobel Beard' is a charming deciduous shrub known for its soft pink blooms with a deeper contrasting centre. Flowering from mid summer into...

From$29.63
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Banksia integrifolia (Coastal Banksia)

Banksia integrifolia (Coastal Banksia) is a hardy evergreen tree admired for its striking yellow flower spikes and tough coastal nature. This...

From$343.89
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Hibiscus 'Macdelveons Yellow'

Hibiscus 'Macdelveons Yellow' is a brilliant flowering shrub that delivers large clear yellow blooms with strong garden presence. Flowering...

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Hibiscus 'El Capitoilo'

Hibiscus 'El Capitolio' is a spectacular flowering shrub admired for its unusual layered blooms that create a bold tropical statement. The rich red...

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Hibiscus 'Jeanne D Arc'

Hibiscus 'Jeanne d'Arc' is a graceful flowering shrub admired for its large pure white double blooms that bring elegance to New Zealand gardens...

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Hibiscus 'Snow Queen' plant with a red and flower and variegated foliage.

Hibiscus 'Snow Queen'

Hibiscus 'Snow Queen' is a graceful flowering shrub admired for its crisp white blooms that bring brightness and elegance to New Zealand gardens...

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Hibiscus 'Snowdrift'

Hibiscus 'Snowdrift' is a beautiful deciduous shrub known for its large pure white blooms that create a fresh and elegant display through summer and...

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Hibiscus 'Heidi'

Hibiscus 'Heidi' is a vibrant flowering shrub that brings rich colour and tropical flair to New Zealand gardens. Its large showy blooms stand out...

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Hibiscus 'Blushing Bride'

Hibiscus 'Blushing Bride' is a beautiful flowering shrub that brings soft romantic colour to New Zealand gardens. Its elegant blooms display delicate...

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

Acer 'Crimson Princess'

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

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Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' specimen tree with purple-red cascading foliage.

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' is a highly admired weeping Japanese maple known for its finely dissected burgundy foliage that retains rich colour...

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Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

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Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

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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...

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Lavender 'Sensation Blue' shrub with purple flowers above dark green foliage.

Lavender 'Sensation Blue'

Lavender 'Sensation Blue' is a standout lavender variety admired for its deep blue purple blooms and aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering from...

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Pseudopanax laetus (Five Finger)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Banksia, Citrus, Hibiscus, Lavender Magnolia and Pseudopanax, or related Categories - Finger Limes, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search pseudopanax five finger

What is Pseudopanax Five Finger?

Pseudopanax five finger refers to several species within the Pseudopanax genus, recognised for their unique palmate leaves typically divided into five leaflets. These hardy native shrubs and small trees naturally occur in New Zealand forests, thriving in a variety of environments. They make superb specimens for adding native texture to the garden, and their fresh green leaves bring all-season interest.

One of the most popular species is Pseudopanax arboreus (Five-Finger), known for its fast growth and suitability as both a specimen tree and informal hedge. Another sought-after form, Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger), is ideal for coastal gardens, thanks to its salt wind tolerance and robust character.

Benefits of Planting Pseudopanax Five Finger

Gardeners across New Zealand love pseudopanax five finger for its adaptability and easy-care nature. This native shrub handles a wide range of soils and conditions, from full sun to partial shade. It offers:

If you garden in mountainous or cooler areas, Pseudopanax colensoi (Mountain Five Finger) is especially hardy, thriving where other species may struggle.

Varieties and Related Species

There is a fantastic selection within the pseudopanax group, each with its own unique characteristics. For gardeners seeking compact, bushy growth with bronze-tinged new leaves, Pseudopanax Forest Gem is a popular choice for mixed plantings or smaller spaces.

Another excellent selection is Pseudopanax laetus (Five Finger), well-known for its attractive, glossy foliage and resilience. With so many options, it's easy to find the right pseudopanax five finger species to suit your local conditions and design preferences.

How to Grow and Care for Pseudopanax Five Finger

Pseudopanax five finger prefers well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, but adapts to most garden situations with minimal fuss. Regular mulching helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool, while occasional feeding in early spring boosts healthy growth. Lightly prune to maintain your preferred shape, especially if using as a hedge or screen. Most pseudopanax are pest and disease resistant, making them an easy, rewarding addition to New Zealand gardens.

Whether you choose Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger) for your seaside retreat or Pseudopanax arboreus (Five-Finger) for a lush green backdrop, pseudopanax five finger remains a top recommendation for resilient, beautiful native planting.


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