Pseudopanax laetus

Pseudopanax laetus is a small evergreen tree from New Zealand that seduces with its exotic appearance and lush, palm-like foliage. Its red stems bear large shiny green leaves that form a beautiful setting for its autumn flowers in purple to greenish-white umbels, and then for its black-violet fruits. It forms, in the garden or in a pot, a lush shrub that is full of character. Plant this species in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained soil that is not too dry. Not particularly hardy, it thrives in mild oceanic climates. Gardeners in colder regions can give it a prominent place on the terrace during the summer, and protect it from severe frost in winter.

Pseudopanax laetus (synonyms Panax arboreus var. laetus Kirk, Nothopanax laetus, Neopanax laetus) belongs to the Araliaceae family, just like the Tree Angelica. It is native to New Zealand, specifically the North Island where it is found on the edge of forests and in local heathlands. In its natural habitat, the plant grows into a small tree reaching a height of 5 m (16ft). In our latitudes, it does not exceed 3 m (10ft) in all directions. This laetus species resembles Pseudopanax arboreus but it is smaller and its leaves are larger and shinier. It is a well-branched shrub with a rounded habit, growing in humus-rich, well-drained, fertile soil, and preferably in mild oceanic climates that do not get too dry. Its leaves, which can reach a length of 30 cm (12in), are composed of 5 to 7 thick and leathery leaflets, elongated and pointed, with roughly toothed edges, carried by red petioles. The leaf blade is shiny green on the upper surface, paler underneath. Flowering takes place from October to December, depending on the climate, on mature plants. It takes the form of umbels measuring 15-20 cm (6-8in) in diameter. Each umbel consists of purple flower buds that open into tiny flowers with a white-greenish interior. After pollination, fleshy and globose fruits measuring 5 mm (1in) across are formed, turning violet-black when ripe. Each fruit contains 2 seeds. The foliage persists in winter. A well-established plant can withstand short frosts of around -7 °C in a sheltered location.

Pseudopanax laetus is an architecturally striking plant that deserves a prominent place in an exotic garden or on the terrace. Its lush style is perfect for 'jungle' gardens, alongside tree ferns (Dicksonia), Cycas, Araucaria (in a large garden), or restios for example. In a heathland bed, it pairs well with autumn camellias and Pieris. It is also a collector's plant, to be grown in a large pot that can be stored in a conservatory or greenhouse during the winter.