Afrocarpus falcatus
Outeniqua yellowwood, Bastard yellowwood, Yellowwood
Also known as Podocarpus falcatus, Nageia falcata
- Height × spread
- 15m × 10m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This imposing African tree has a handsome stout trunk that is coloured a pinkish brown, flaking attractively. The tree has a large head of dark green foliage, composed of small leaves, and presenting a rather frothy, billowing appearance. There are male and female forms of this tree and the female form has noticeable fruit, carried in the form of yellow cones which are visible during the summer and autumn. The tree belongs to the Podocarp family, a form of conifer. Give this deep fertile soil in a frost- free environment. It is not hardy out of doors in the United Kingdom. Under cultivation this should reach around 15m in height with a 10m spread.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Brown, Pink
- Fruit colour
- Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cone
- Height
- 15m
- Spread
- 10m
- Height in 10 years
- 4m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.