Neopanax laetus
N. laetus forms 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
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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 loam-based potting compost with added sharp sand, and protect from the hottest sun
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.