Pseudopanax laetus

Five Finger

Five Finger is a common name for Pseudopanax laetus, a large shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage with some leaves growing to 30 cm long. Small, cream-coloured flowers are produced in spring and result in red berries which attract an array of birds including Tui. It grows with a spreading and rounded habit to about 3 m tall and the same wide though can be trimmed as necessary. Best performance with this evergreen is achieved when it is grown on a well-drained site in full sun. In partial shade it tends to grow less densely. It is tolerant of periods of dry and frost once established. This Five Finger is commonly included in a mixed or native planting, used in a tropical planting, or grown as a backdrop for smaller plants.

Neopanax laetus

Neopanax laetus is a large, NZ native shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage. Small, cream-coloured flowers are produced in spring and result in red berries which attract an array of birds including Tui. It grows to about 3 m tall and wide on a well-drained site in full sun. Neopanax laetus is commonly included in a mixed or native planting, used in a tropical planting, or grown as a backdrop for smaller plants. NB: Neopanax laetus is a synonym for Pseudopanax laetus.