Also known as Lancewood · 2 saves
Pseudopanax
Pseudopanax, the genus most gardeners know as lancewood. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Pseudopanax varieties
3 species of Pseudopanax
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Pseudopanax in Sow
Save the Pseudopanax you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Pseudopanax
Whats common across all Pseudopanax varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Pseudopanax year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Limit pruning strictly to the removal of dead or damaged wood.
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply a light topdressing of compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring.
- Check for PestsJune–August100% of varieties
Inspect leaf undersides for spider mites and scale insects during warm, dry periods.
- Winter PrepNovember67% of varieties
Protect young plants from hard freezes in colder zones with frost cloth.
Do
- Plant in highly permeable, well-drained soils to prevent root rot.
- Protect young plants from deer and rabbits using physical fencing.
- Allow the soil to dry out between waterings once the root system is established.
- Plant in a highly permeable soil mix to prevent root rot.
- Prune lightly in spring immediately after flowering to shape the canopy.
Avoid
- Do not prune back into old, leafless wood as the plant lacks latent buds to reshoot.
- Do not allow the roots to sit in waterlogged or soggy soil.
- Do not remove the downward-pointing juvenile leaves to make the plant look tidier.
- Do not plant in heavy, compacted clay soils that retain standing water.
What goes wrong with Pseudopanax
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Distorted new growth and sticky honeydew on leaf surfaces. | Wash off with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap. |
| Scale Insects | Small, raised brown bumps on stems and leaf undersides, accompanied by yellowing foliage. | Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season or scrape off light infestations manually. |
| Scale insects | Sticky honeydew residue, yellowing foliage, and small bumps on stems. | Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to smother the insects. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaf undersides and stippled, pale foliage. | Spray the foliage with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap. |
| Root Rot | Sudden wilting, yellowing leaves, and blackening of the stem base. | Improve soil drainage immediately and reduce watering; discard severely infected plants as chemical cures are ineffective. |
| Powdery Mildew | White, powdery fungal patches on leaf surfaces during warm, humid periods. | Increase air circulation around the canopy and avoid overhead watering. |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, and sudden collapse of the plant. | Improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and ensure the planting site does not collect standing water. |
Making more Pseudopanax
Seed
- Sow fresh seeds immediately, as they lose viability rapidly.
- Place in a well-draining seed-starting mix under light cover.
- Maintain consistent moisture and a warm temperature for germination.
- Pot up individual seedlings once they develop their first true leaves.
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take 4-inch cuttings of semi-ripe wood in late summer.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top pair.
- Dip the cut base in rooting hormone powder.
- Insert into a moist, free-draining propagation mix and keep under humid conditions.
Pseudopanax questions
How many types of Pseudopanax are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Pseudopanax varieties. The most popular — ranked by 2 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Pseudopanax grow in?
Across its varieties, Pseudopanax covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Pseudopanax bloom?
Most Pseudopanax varieties bloom in fall, winter, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Pseudopanax should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.