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ShrubsTreesSynonym

Pseudopanax laetus

A large, evergreen shrub or small tree with palmate leaves, each composed of five or seven stalked leaflets up to 30cm long. The small, greenish-purple flowers appear in winter in umbels up to 20cm across followed, on female plants that have been pollinated, by small purple-black fruit

Synonyms
Nothopanax laetus
Pseudopanax laetus

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Green Black Purple
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Purple Green
Winter Purple Green Purple Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Araliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Neopanax are evergreen shrubs or small trees. The leaves are palmate, with three to seven stalked leaflets. In some species the leaves change shape according to the plants age and mature foliage may consist of a single leaflet. Small flowers are produced in large sprays, followed by berries on female plants

Name status

Correct

Plant range
New Zealand

How to grow

Cultivation

May survive outdoors in very mild areas, otherwise grow in an unheated greenhouse, or grow in a pot and overwinter under glass. Use a peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added sharp sand, and protect from the hottest sun

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings or air layering in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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