Podocarpus macrophyllus, known as the Japanese Yew or Buddhist Pine, is a favored evergreen species valued for its dense foliage and adaptability in warmer climates. It is highly effective as a screening plant or formal hedge. Achieving the desired function and long-term health of this plant relies heavily on proper initial spacing, which determines its ability to access resources and develop fully.
Defining Your Planting Goal
Planting distance is determined by the intended purpose of the plants in the landscape. Creating a formal, impenetrable hedge requires tight spacing so the foliage of adjacent plants merges quickly. This close proximity encourages upward growth and canopy fusion, creating a unified green wall for maximum privacy.
For a less formal visual barrier or screen, allow more space between individual plants. This moderate distance permits each Podocarpus to develop a more natural, rounded canopy shape while still blocking undesirable views. Cultivating a standalone specimen demands the maximum amount of space. This allows the plant to mature fully into its natural tree form, ensuring unhindered development of its structural branches and root system.
Recommended Spacing for Podocarpus
To create a dense, formal hedge, plants should be positioned approximately three to four feet apart, measured center-to-center. This close spacing creates competition for resources, driving rapid vertical growth and ensuring canopies knit together quickly to form an opaque barrier. This method achieves immediate, complete coverage but requires more frequent pruning to maintain a narrow width.
For an informal screen or natural barrier, a moderate distance of five to seven feet between plants is recommended. This spacing allows each Podocarpus to retain more individual character and width, resulting in a softer green wall. It permits sufficient air circulation and light penetration, maintaining health across the entire plant structure and allowing for easier long-term maintenance.
When the objective is a standalone specimen tree, the plant requires freedom to reach its full, mature size. This necessitates a distance of ten to fifteen feet from any structure or other large plant.
Cultivar Considerations
The selection of the cultivar influences these measurements. For example, the dwarf ‘Maki’ variety has a significantly smaller mature width than the standard P. macrophyllus. Considering the mature width of the specific variety is necessary before marking any planting location.
Essential Steps for Successful Planting
Once spacing is determined, prepare the planting site carefully to ensure root establishment. Podocarpus thrives in well-draining soil. Sites with heavy clay may require incorporating organic material, such as compost, to improve soil structure and prevent waterlogging. Poor drainage is a common cause of failure for newly planted evergreens, as saturated conditions lead to root rot.
The planting hole should be two to three times the diameter of the root ball, but no deeper than the root ball’s height. It is important that the plant is not set too deep, as this can smother the root flare—the point where the trunk widens at the base. The root flare must remain slightly above or level with the surrounding grade after backfilling to ensure proper gas exchange.
Before placing the plant, inspect and prepare the roots, especially if the plant appears root-bound from container growth. For compressed root systems, gently score the sides of the root ball or hand-loosen the circling roots. This action breaks the pattern of circling roots and encourages outward growth into the native soil.
Fill the hole carefully with the original soil, lightly amended with a small amount of compost. Gently tamp the soil to remove air pockets. Avoid adding excessive rich organic material to the backfill, as this can discourage roots from extending into the native soil. The soil should be firmed adequately to hold the plant upright without being compacted.
Establishing New Podocarpus Plants
After placement, thoroughly water the plant deeply to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. Maintaining an appropriate watering schedule is important for successful establishment during the first six to twelve months post-planting. Apply water deeply and less often, encouraging the plant to develop deep, drought-tolerant roots.
Applying an organic mulch layer, such as shredded bark or pine straw, helps retain soil moisture and stabilize soil temperature, benefiting new root growth. Spread the mulch two to three inches deep across the planting area, extending to the drip line. Keep the mulch several inches away from the trunk itself.
This “donut” application prevents moisture accumulation against the bark, which could invite fungal issues and decay. During the first year, limit pruning to the removal of broken or diseased branches, allowing the plant to direct energy toward root establishment and recovery from transplant shock.