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

queensland umbrella tree

The Queensland umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla) is an evergreen stunner, celebrated in New Zealand gardens and homes for its dramatic, glossy foliage and easy-care nature. Native to the lush rainforests of Australia, this impressive plant thrives as both a feature tree outdoors in frost-free climates or a showy, low-maintenance indoor plant. With its umbrella-like whorls of deep green leaves and upright habit, the Queensland umbrella tree brings an instant tropical vibe and architectural statement wherever it's placed.

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 (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid...

From$26.93
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$29.63
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$87.68
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 (Seven Finger)

Schefflera digitata, commonly known as the Seven Finger Plant or Pate Seven Finger, is a small, NZ native tree grown for its showy and glossy...

escallonia-gold-brian--3
Most Popular

Escallonia 'Gold Brian'

Escallonia 'Gold Brian' is a beautiful plant known for its yellow-green leaves, which serve as a lovely backdrop to the clusters of small, rose-pink...

From$24.23
Gardenia augusta 'True Love' white flower with mid-green foliage.
Most Popular

Gardenia True Love

Gardenia 'True Love' is a compact, evergreen shrub reaching around 60–90 cm tall and wide, perfect for adding fragrance and lush foliage to NZ...

From$26.93
hydrangea-paniculata-grandiflora-
Most Popular

Hydrangea paniculata Grandiflora

Hydrangea paniculata 'Grandiflora', also known as 'Pee Gee', is a robust and hardy variety producing large, conical white flower clusters that...

From$81.13
Griselinia Broadway Mint hedge with lush, green foliage.
Most Popular

Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia Broadway Mint, commonly known as NZ Broadleaf, is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub prized for its dense, glossy...

From$16.13
Cotinus obovatus 'Grace' purple-orange foliage.
Most Popular

Cotinus 'Grace'

Cotinus obovatus 'Grace' is a stunning deciduous shrub or small tree known for its large, soft purple leaves that mature to rich red and orange tones...

From$432.79
Schefflera actinophylla

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Schefflera or Evergreen Shrubs.

Search Schefflera actinophylla

Features of the Queensland Umbrella Tree

Schefflera actinophylla gets its name from the unique way its palmate leaves radiate out from a central stem, forming a shape reminiscent of an opened umbrella. Outdoors, the Queensland umbrella tree can reach impressive heights—up to 10 metres in ideal conditions—while indoor specimens generally remain much smaller and more manageable. In summer, mature trees may display spectacular spikes of red flowers, a favourite of native birds and pollinators.

Commonly grown for its bold appearance and tolerance of a range of conditions, the Queensland umbrella tree is a popular choice for anyone looking to introduce statement greenery to their space. It prefers bright, indirect light indoors or a sheltered spot outside, and adapts well to regular trimming if you wish to control its size.

Growing and Caring for Your Queensland Umbrella Tree

The Queensland umbrella tree is loved by both beginners and experienced gardeners due to its robust nature. It’s best grown in free-draining soil and regular watering is key, especially in the warmer months. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid root rot. Feed with a general-purpose liquid fertiliser during the growing season to encourage lush leaf growth.

If you’re looking to enrich your indoor plant collection, the Queensland umbrella tree is a perfect companion to other Schefflera varieties like the Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree), Schefflera Green Goblin (Green Arboricola), Schefflera arboricola variegated, or the elegant Schefflera Hong Kong. For outdoor plantings, consider complementing the Queensland umbrella tree with native options like Schefflera digitata (Seven Finger).

Landscape and Indoor Uses

Whether you want dense greenery in your garden, a lush indoor statement plant, or a backdrop for flowering shrubs, the Queensland umbrella tree fits the bill. In warmer regions, it’s a striking addition to subtropical or native landscapes and provides excellent shade for underplanting with foliage contrasts such as Ilex Sky Pencil, Bauera Plum Duff (Rose Heath), Eriostemon Flower Girl, or Ixora White Malay.

If indoor styling is your goal, pair your Queensland umbrella tree with light-leaved options like Pittosporum Moonlight for a modern, layered look. The Queensland umbrella tree’s adaptability and minimal fuss make it a favourite for homes, offices, and outdoor retreats across New Zealand.

Ready to elevate your plant game? Explore our range of Schefflera and companion plants to transform your green space with a touch of the tropics.


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 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.

4.9

429 Google reviews