About
Pseudopanax ferox, the toothed lancewood, is an upright, evergreen tree from New Zealand producing long, narrow, leathery, sharply toothed, hanging, dark bronze-green juvenile leaves with greyish markings, maturing to shorter, spreading, dark-green foliage. An extraordinary and architectural plant for a sheltered, frost-free garden.
About the genus
Pseudopanax are upright, evergreen shrubs or trees with simple or palmate leaves, often with a distinct juvenile form. Inconspicuous, green flowers are followed on female plants by berry-like fruits. Grown as architectural specimen plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Architectural
Native toNew Zealand
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny or part-shaded position with shelter from cold, drying winds
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in autumn or spring, or by semi-ripe cuttings or by air layering
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free