Podocarpus is a versatile evergreen conifer known for its distinctive appearance and adaptability, making it a popular choice for diverse landscape designs.
What is Podocarpus?
The genus Podocarpus includes evergreen trees and shrubs from the Podocarpaceae family. These woody plants feature attractive, often soft, needle-like, or strap-like foliage. Though conifers, their seed cones develop into fleshy, brightly colored, berry-like structures.
Podocarpus species vary greatly in size, from low shrubs to trees over 100 feet tall. Primarily found in the Southern Hemisphere, some species also grow in Asia and the Americas. Most are dioecious, with female plants producing ornamental, berry-like cones.
Popular Podocarpus Varieties
Podocarpus macrophyllus, known as Southern Yew or Buddhist Pine, is a widely planted variety. This upright, dense evergreen typically reaches 15-50 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. Its leathery, dark green leaves, up to 4 inches long, are arranged in dense spirals, making it a choice for hedges, screens, or specimen plantings. It thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-9, tolerating full sun and partial shade.
Several Podocarpus macrophyllus cultivars offer distinct growth habits:
Maki: A popular dwarf form, growing slower and maintaining a dense, upright shape, typically 8-15 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide.
Pringles: A slow-growing dwarf cultivar for smaller spaces, usually staying around 3 feet tall, forming a compact plant suitable for low hedges.
Icee Blue: Has striking blue-gray foliage and shrubby, upright growth up to 25 feet tall and wide.
Roman Candle (also known as Miu): Features variegated green and white leaves.
Known as Fern Pine, Podocarpus gracilior has gracefully drooping, soft gray-green, fern-like foliage. This fast-growing species can reach 40 feet tall and 25 feet wide, responding well to pruning for shorter heights. It is used for privacy screens and espalier, thriving in USDA Zones 10-11.
Podocarpus henkelii features distinctive drooping, shiny dark green foliage on sweeping branches. It grows 25-35 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide, with size manageable through consistent pruning. It is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11.
Also known as Plum Pine, Podocarpus elatus is a medium to large evergreen tree native to Australia. It grows 26-118 feet tall, with lanceolate leaves and dark blue-purple, berry-like cones. Its fleshy seed cone is edible. This variety tolerates full sun or part shade, sandy soils, and salt spray, making it suitable for coastal areas in USDA Zone 10.
Choosing the Right Podocarpus
Choosing the right Podocarpus involves considering several factors for landscape success. Primary considerations include the plant’s desired mature size and available garden space, as varieties range from large trees to compact shrubs.
Your landscaping purpose guides the choice, whether for a tall privacy hedge, a standalone specimen, or a compact option. Sun exposure is important; while many varieties tolerate a range of light, growth rate and foliage density vary with sun. Climate considerations, including cold hardiness and heat tolerance, are also important for long-term health. Consider maintenance preferences, as some varieties require more frequent pruning to maintain shape or size.
General Podocarpus Care
Podocarpus plants thrive in full sun to partial shade. More direct sunlight often leads to faster growth and lighter foliage. While they adapt to lower light, prolonged shade can result in a spindly appearance, so adequate light ensures a robust, dense structure.
These evergreens prefer moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter, ideally with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (4.5-7.5). They tolerate sandy or loamy soil but not soggy or heavy clay, which can lead to root problems. Good drainage prevents root rot.
During their first year, Podocarpus requires regular, deep, and infrequent watering to establish a strong root system. Once established, most varieties are drought tolerant, needing supplemental water only during extended dry periods. Overwatering can cause foliage discoloration and increase root rot risk.
Pruning is not always necessary but is common for shaping plants into hedges, topiaries, or to maintain size and form. Remove dead or damaged branches any time. Avoid heavy pruning in fall, as it can stimulate new growth vulnerable to cold damage.
Podocarpus are not heavy feeders, but a light application of slow-release fertilizer in spring promotes lush growth. Avoid fertilizing in fall. In alkaline soils, plants may benefit from additional iron or magnesium to prevent deficiencies.
Podocarpus plants are resilient and not prone to many severe pest or disease issues. However, they can be affected by common garden pests like mites, aphids, sawflies, or scale insects. Root rot is a potential problem, typically from overwatering or inadequate soil drainage. Proper watering and well-draining soil prevent these issues.