Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Cyril Watson’ – Cyril Watson Five Finger

$180.00

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Size: 30cm/33cm

30cm/33cm

Current Stock Height Guides

*** Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons.No guarantee is giventhat supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal andis not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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About Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Cyril Watson’ – Cyril Watson Five Finger

Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Cyril Watson’, commonly known as Cyril Watson Five Finger, is a bold evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its large glossy foliage and strong tropical architectural appearance. The broad leathery green leaves create dense lush structure year-round, making this New Zealand native selection highly desirable for screening, feature planting, and subtropical landscape design.

It performs best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, adapting well to coastal exposure, windy positions, and urban garden conditions once established. Suited to temperate, coastal, and subtropical climates, this variety develops good drought tolerance and dependable evergreen performance with minimal maintenance requirements. Its dense branching habit responds well to pruning where shaping or screening is desired.

They look excellent when used for screening, feature planting, tropical-style gardens, and courtyard landscapes where bold evergreen foliage and architectural form are required. This variety is commonly specified for coastal gardens, contemporary landscapes, and sheltered urban planting schemes.

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Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Cyril Watson’ – Cyril Watson Five Finger is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 3m - 5m

Mature Width: 2m - 4m

Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Cyril Watson’ – Cyril Watson Five Finger is expected to grow 30cm - 60cm per year under suitable conditions.

Frost Tolerance

Is Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Cyril Watson’ – Cyril Watson Five Finger frost tolerant?

Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Cyril Watson’ – Cyril Watson Five Finger is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Flowering Information

Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Cyril Watson’ produces small greenish flowers during the warmer months, occasionally followed by decorative dark berries on mature plants. While the blooms are subtle, the plant is primarily valued for its glossy leathery foliage and bold architectural form.

Native Information

Is Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Cyril Watson’ – Cyril Watson Five Finger an Australian Native? No

Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Cyril Watson’ – Cyril Watson Five Finger is Native to Derived from New Zealand Pseudopanax lessonii selections.

Wildlife Value

Its dense evergreen foliage provides valuable shelter and habitat for small birds and beneficial insects throughout the year. Seasonal flowers may also attract pollinators, supporting biodiversity within coastal and ornamental landscape settings.

Sunlight Information

Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Cyril Watson’ – Cyril Watson Five Finger will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preffered Soil

Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Cyril Watson’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It will also tolerate coastal conditions and a wide range of general garden soils provided drainage remains reliable. Avoid persistently wet or heavily compacted conditions unless significantly improved, as excess moisture can reduce root health and overall vigour. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the plant matures.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Cyril Watson Five Finger

Genus: Pseudopanax

Botanical Species: lessonii cultivar

Family: Araliaceae

Botanical Name: Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Cyril Watson’

Landscape Uses

Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Cyril Watson’ – Cyril Watson Five Finger works in an:

Tropical Garden – lush, leafy planting for a resort-style atmosphere.
Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.

Planting, Spacing & Care

Plant in full sun or partial shade.
Use fertile free-draining soil conditions.
Water regularly during establishment.
Mulch to maintain moderate soil moisture.
Prune lightly if shaping or screening density is required.

Feature Planting: 2m - 4m
Screening: 1.5m - 2.5m

Water deeply during extended dry periods while establishing.
Prune lightly to maintain structure if necessary.
Feed during spring with balanced slow-release fertiliser if required.

Loam soils: Provides balanced moisture retention and aeration.
Sandy soils: Supports drainage and coastal adaptability.
Rich organic soils: Encourages denser foliage growth and healthier canopy development.

Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Cyril Watson’ – Cyril Watson Five Finger is expected to grow 30cm - 60cm per year under suitable conditions.

Medium Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Sydney & Central Coast
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)

Thrives in

Full Sun
Part Shade

Frost Tolerance

Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Drought Tolerance

As a young plant it benefits from regular watering to establish healthy dense growth, particularly during warmer weather. Once established, ‘Cyril Watson’ shows good drought tolerance and performs reliably through dry periods, although occasional supplementary watering supports stronger foliage quality and vigour.