<em>Pseudopanax</em>: planting, cultivation and care

Description and botany

Pseudopanax are trees or evergreen bushes with very graphic habit and foliage. Most originate from New Zealand, where they grow mainly in forests and scrubland. Some species are also found in Australia (Tasmania) and in Chile. These are ancient, relatively primitive plants.

There are seven species of Pseudopanax. The most cultivated is Pseudopanax ferox, a truly original and surprising tree, with a very straight trunk and linear leaves pointed towards ground. Pseudopanax lessonii is also cultivated and has produced many horticultural varieties, each showing variations in leaf shape and colour: ‘Goldsplash’, ‘Dark Star’, ‘Goldfinger’, etc. Pseudopanax crassifolius is also grown in cultivation.

Pseudopanax belongs to family Araliaceae (which includes more than 1,500 species), like ivy, Fatsia japonica, Tetrapanax, or Cussonia. This family also includes Aralia elata, sometimes called Angelica tree, which offers beautifully dissected leaves and large white inflorescences.

Pseudopanax can reach up to 6–7 m in height, even up to 15 m for Pseudopanax crassifolius. These are fairly fast-growing trees. In juvenile form, which can last many years, Pseudopanax ferox and Pseudopanax crassifolius have a very straight, erect habit, with a single, unramified trunk. They bring a lot of verticality to a planting. When they become adult (after about 15 years), these Pseudopanax begin to ramify, producing at top of trunk branches in different directions, then forming a small rounded crown. Their crown widens and becomes ramified. Likewise, over time, leaves disappear at base, leaving trunk naked. Trunk of Pseudopanax ferox can reach up to 25 cm in diameter when tree is mature.

By contrast, Pseudopanax arboreus, P. laetus and P. lessonii are already ramified when young, forming secondary branches quite early. They have a broader, bushier habit than other species.

In Pseudopanax ferox, leaves are very long and narrow, dentate on each side, which makes them resemble a saw. Its species name ferox indeed refers to these teeth. Leaves are rigid and leathery, inclined downwards at an angle of 45° or less, which gives a very original shape, forming like leading shoots upwards. This somewhat evokes leading shoot shape of Christmas firs. They give impression that bush grows upside down, head down. In Pseudopanax ferox, leaves are grey-bronze, with a paler central vein. Its uncommon foliage gives Pseudopanax an artificial appearance.

Pseudopanax ferox (photo Krzysztof Golik), and close-up of its foliage / Pseudopanax crassifolius (photo Krzysztof Golik), and view of crown of an adult specimen, which ramifies

Leaves of Pseudopanax lessonii are very different. They are usually divided into five leaflets, sometimes with a fairly wide lamina, as in variety ‘Gecko Gold’. Thus, when divided into broad leaflets, leaves recall those of other Araliaceae, notably Fatsia japonica or Tetrapanax.

Leaves of Pseudopanax ferox have the peculiarity of changing shape as bush grows and ages. After 10 to 15 years, tree begins to form shorter, broader leaves, dark green in colour and without teeth. Particular shape of juvenile leaves is actually a defence mechanism against herbivores, deterring animals from eating them. When tree is older and leaves are higher, they are out of reach and can therefore broaden!

Other species, with a more developed lamina (P. lessonii, etc.), sometimes offer foliage variegated with yellow, as in Pseudopanax ‘Gecko Gold’ or Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Goldsplash’. It can also be much darker, as in variety ‘Dark Star’.

Leaves of Pseudopanax are evergreen, they remain on tree in winter.

Leaves of Pseudopanax lessonii: type species, varieties ‘Gold Splash’ and ‘Dark Star’ (photo Stervinou)

Pseudopanax usually flowers in summer, between July and September, but flowering is not particularly ornamental. Flowers are small, with four to five petals and are generally arranged in terminal umbels. They can be green, cream-yellow or purplish. Umbels of Pseudopanax ferox measure between 5 and 10 cm in diameter.

Pseudopanax ferox is dioecious. A young male plant and a young female plant are needed to allow fertilization and hope to obtain seeds.

After flowering, Pseudopanax produces (on female or hermaphrodite plants) small black–purplish fruits. They are rounded and measure between 3 and 8 mm in diameter.

Main varieties of Pseudopanax

Most popular varieties

Our favourite varieties

Pseudopanax ferox

Most common Pseudopanax in cultivation. Very distinctive, with linear, bronze‑purple leaves marked with numerous dentate teeth and arching downwards. When mature, it produces another leaf form, shorter and broader, dark green.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 7 m

See the product sheet

Pseudopanax crassifolium

Has stiff, thin, dentate leaves directed towards ground. They are brown‑purple. Very architectural bush. Adult foliage becomes broader and shorter.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 3,50 m

See the product sheet

Pseudopanax Goldsplash

Superb variety with green leaves variegated with yellow, divided into five more or less ovate leaflets. Provides great brightness.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 3 m

See the product sheet

Pseudopanax lessonii Dark Star

Leaves are thin and elongated, yet wider than those of Pseudopanax ferox. They range from dark green to purple, with a slightly paler central vein. Ideal in a modern, architectural garden.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 3 m

See the product sheet

Pseudopanax Gecko Gold

This variety has green and yellow variegated leaves divided into fairly large leaflets. Shape and colours of the leaves slightly evoke a gecko's feet, hence the variety's name. Appreciated for the brightness they bring.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 3 m

See the product sheet

Planting

Where to plant?

Plant it in sun or partial shade. Avoid blazing sun as well as dense shade. The bush produces more leaves in a sunny position. Plant Pseudopanax preferably sheltered from cold winds. It does not tolerate extreme temperatures, too cold in winter or too hot in summer. It prefers relatively mild, humid climate, like in New Zealand.

Pseudopanax grows in fairly ordinary soils. It likes humus-bearing, fertile soils, but will nevertheless grow in poorer soils. We recommend planting it in a well-draining substrate. You can also plant on a mound or add coarse sand or gravel to the soil to improve drainage. Pseudopanax dislikes stagnant moisture in winter, which will make it more vulnerable to cold and may cause root rot. However, the soil must not be too dry either. Pseudopanax has a preference for rather acidic substrates and does not like limestone.

Pseudopanax has the advantage of taking up very little space in the garden. It has a slender, very erect trunk, little ramified. Also, with its very fine leaves, it does not really shade neighbouring plants.

If you live in a region with a mild climate, you can plant Pseudopanax outdoors. Otherwise, prefer planting in a pot. You can then bring it indoors in autumn and put it back out in spring. It is also possible to grow it year-round under a temperate greenhouse.

When to plant?

We recommend planting Pseudopanax in spring, from May, once frosts are no longer a risk.

How to plant?

1. Dig a large planting hole, about twice the size of the rootball.
2. Mix some soil with well-rotted compost and coarse sand and place some back in the hole, for drainage (you can also plant on a mound to help water run off).
3. Remove Pseudopanax from its pot, loosen the rootball slightly and place it in the planting hole. The collar must be at the same level as it was in the pot.
4. Refill around with substrate.
5. Water generously.
6. You can install staking to help keep the bush upright.

Continue to water during weeks following planting.

You can also plant Pseudopanax in a large pot or trough. This will allow you to bring it easily under cover in autumn to protect it from cold.

1. Use a large pot with drainage holes in the base.
2. Place a layer of clay balls in the bottom.
3. Then add potting compost mixed with a little well-rotted compost and coarse sand.
4. Install your Pseudopanax.
5. Refill around with substrate to secure it in place.
6. Water generously.
7. Place the pot in a bright spot sheltered from cold winds.

→ Learn more about growing Pseudopanax in a pot in our care guide.

Pseudopanax lessonii (photo by Krzysztof Golik)

Care

When planted in the ground, Pseudopanax requires little maintenance. It is a robust plant and not very susceptible to pests and diseases. Although relatively drought-tolerant, it is best to water in the year of planting, and thereafter during prolonged drought. In a pot, waterings should be more frequent, with on average one watering per week during growth. You can reduce watering in winter. When watering, prefer rainwater rather than tap water, which may be too hard.

If grown in the ground, occasionally add a little well-rotted compost at its feet and incorporate it superficially into the soil by light forking. In a pot, apply liquid feed about once a month during growth. Reduce watering and feed applications in autumn and winter.

During first years, fit a stake to help Pseudopanax form a straight trunk. We do not recommend pruning Pseudopanax ferox and Pseudopanax crassifolius, which are not ramified; however, you can prune species such as Pseudopanax lessonii if they take up too much space under a greenhouse or indoors.

You can protect Pseudopanax in winter with a winter protection fleece and a thick mulch at its feet. If grown in a pot, move it outdoors in spring and bring it under a frost-free shelter in autumn.

More information in our tutorial Pseudopanax: how to protect it from cold and overwinter it?

Propagation: sowing, propagation by cuttings

Pseudopanax can be propagated by sowing, propagation by cuttings or air layering. We recommend sowing.

Sowing

For sowing, preferably use fresh seeds as their germination rate is higher.

1. Take a pot and fill it with a mix of potting compost and coarse sand.
2. Press down lightly.
3. Sow seeds.
4. Cover with a thin layer of substrate.
5. Water.
6. Place pot under cover in a bright position and, if possible, at about 20 °C
7. Keep substrate slightly moist, but not waterlogged, until germination.

Propagation by cuttings

Pseudopanax can be propagated by taking semi-ripe cuttings at the start of spring. However, because Pseudopanax ferox and P. crassifolius are not ramified in their juvenile phase, avoid taking cuttings from these species. Either wait until they are adult and take lateral branches, or reserve this propagation technique for other species.

→ Read also: How to propagate Pseudopanax?

Companion planting with Pseudopanax

With its distinctive silhouette, the Pseudopanax ferox is ideal for creating a modern, graphic garden. It brings strong verticality, helping to structure a planting bed. Create a garden with clean lines and sober tones (green, bronze, purple, black, white, grey…). You can include ferns, horsetails, Alliums, Agapanthus, Japanese maples, bamboos… Also enjoy fine, airy foliage of ornamental grasses. Pseudopanax can create a superb contrast when planted alongside lower-growing plants such as hostas, alchemilla, Hakonechloa macra, etc.

For a modern, graphic garden: Agapanthus ‘Black Magic’, Dryopteris cycadina, Pseudopanax ferox, Hosta ‘Allan P. McConnell’ (photo David J. Stang), Equisetum hyemale (photo Thayne Tuason)

Don’t hesitate to pair Pseudopanax with other plants that have striking foliage! For example, plant Araucaria, Cotinus coggygria, Sambucus nigra, Grevillea… Think of decorative foliage of Fatsias and Tetrapanax. Pseudopanax is also ideal for accompanying ancient, primitive plants such as cycads, tree ferns or horsetails. Also consider the superb Wollemia nobilis, a very ancient conifer from Australia.

You can use Pseudopanax ‘Gecko Gold’ or ‘Goldsplash’ to create a beautiful golden scene, with other yellow foliage: Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’, Carex elata ‘Aurea’, Agastache ‘Golden Jubilee’, etc. You can also obtain superb contrasts by planting a few dark-leaved plants: Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’, Phormium ‘Dark Delight’, Heuchera ‘Obsidian’, Physocarpus ‘Midnight’…

For a garden of southern plants, featuring other species from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Think of Protea, Phormium, Watsonia, Agapanthus, Callistemon… You can also grow Restionaceae, those perennials with long stems that resemble rushes or grasses. For advice on to grow these plants, consult our factsheet ‘Plant and grow southern plants’

Virginie gives you more lovely pairing ideas with Pseudopanax!