tree

Five-Finger

The Story

Plant Bio

Pseudopanax arboreus is an evergreen New Zealand tree that forms a rounded canopy of stout, brittle branches. The distinctive palmate foliage consists of five to seven leathery, coarsely toothed leaflets radiating from a long central petiole.

In winter, the branch tips produce large compound umbels of tiny, nectar-rich flowers that transition from greenish-white to deep purplish-pink. These are followed by clusters of small, fleshy, purple-black berries that persist into spring.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides bold, tropical-looking architectural structure with glossy, deeply divided evergreen foliage.

Functions as an effective windbreak or screen in coastal gardens due to moderate salt tolerance.

Provides vital winter nectar for hummingbirds and bees, followed by berries that feed local songbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

315"

Width

197"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Early spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with well-draining loam or sandy soil in full sun to partial shade.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at its original container depth.
Water deeply to settle the soil, ensuring the root zone does not remain waterlogged.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support new foliage development.

Pro Tip

Never prune back into bare, old wood; this species lacks dormant buds on mature stems and requires active green nodes to regenerate new growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a highly permeable soil mix to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly in spring immediately after flowering to shape the canopy.
Provide shelter from strong, freezing winter winds in Zone 8.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, compacted clay soils that retain standing water.
Do not cut back into leafless, woody branches when pruning.
Do not over-fertilize, as moderate soil fertility is sufficient.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Architectural specimenCoastal windbreakUnderstory plantingScreening

Companion Plants

Phormium tenax Griselinia littoralis Cordyline australis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Five-Finger questions

What zones can Five-Finger grow in?

Five-Finger is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Five-Finger deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Five-Finger, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Five-Finger bloom?

Five-Finger typically blooms in winter through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Five-Finger need full sun?

Five-Finger does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Five-Finger drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Five-Finger handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.