Pseudopanax arboreus
Five Finger / Whauwhaupaku
Description:
Fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub or small tree with lush, glossy green leaves made up of five to seven leaflets. It has a naturally upright, bushy habit and provides year-round structure and shelter in the garden. In summer, mature plants produce clusters of small greenish-white flowers, followed by fleshy purple-black berries that are highly attractive to native birds, including tūī and kererū. Hardy and versatile, it is well suited to native, coastal, and revegetation plantings.
Height:
3–6m
Width:
2–4m
Position:
Full sun to part shade. Grows well in sheltered or exposed sites and tolerates coastal conditions, wind, and light frost once established.
Soil:
Prefers fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter but adapts to a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided drainage is adequate.
Uses:
- Feature shrub or small tree
- Native gardens and revegetation projects
- Informal screening and shelter planting
- Coastal and bush-style gardens
- Wildlife-friendly gardens
- Mixed shrub borders
Care Tips:
- Water regularly during establishment; once established it tolerates short dry periods
- Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth
- Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the trunk
- Prune lightly to maintain shape or remove damaged branches; it responds well to trimming
- Hardy in most New Zealand conditions, tolerating wind, coastal exposure, and light frost once established
- Ensure good drainage and avoid prolonged waterlogging
We have made every effort to display as accurately as possible the grade and quality of the plant in the images.
Plants are subject to availability; there is a slight possibility the plants can be sold before your order is processed. In this instance we can offer a refund or credit and let you know when more plants become available.
