The dark bronze foliage of Pseudopanax nigra provides it with impact. It looks amazing among dramatic foliage plants, especially other natives such as bronze tussock grasses, Cordylines such as ‘Purple Tower’, Coprosmas like the bushy ‘Green and Gold’ or fine leafed, ground covering kinds. It also looks amazing when surrounded by the ground covering native Fuchsia procumbens, especially in winter when the deep red, glowing berries of the fuchsia are there to contrast with the dusky Pseudopanax nigra foliage.

For an intriguing look, try mingling the pink and cream foliage of the aptly named Coprosma ‘Painter’s Palette’ with ‘Platt’s Black’ flax (Phormium) and Pseudopanax nigra. Distinctive natives mix well with bold succulents too, and Pseudopanax nigra makes an exciting combination with chocolate and deep purple foliage varieties such as Echeveria ‘Chocolate’ and Aeonium ‘Schwarzkopf’. Pseudopanax nigra is easy to grow in any well drained soil and is drought tolerant once established. Lots of sun will produce the most intense foliage colours.