Podocarpus macrophyllus
Kusamaki, Yew podocarpus, Bigleaf podocarp, Buddhist pine
Also known as Podocarpus chinensis
- Height × spread
- 6.5m × 4m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This conifer has an interesting informal growth habit, holding its short, rather bushy looking branches somewhat erect, either multi stemmed as a shrub, or grown on one trunk as a small tree. The needle like leaves spiral round the branches. They are long and slim, tapering at either end, up to 16cm (6in) in length and dark green on their upper surface, a rather lighter, yellowish green on the underside. It will grow slowly to a height of around 2.5m (9ft) after ten years, eventually reaching around 6.5m (22ft) in height if grown as a tree, with a 4m (13ft) spread. It needs a warm, sunny or partly shaded site with slightly acidic soil that has some moisture, but remains well drained.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 6.5m
- Spread
- 4m
- Height in 10 years
- 2.2m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1.2m
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- 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.
Found in
More Podocarpus
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Podocarp, Yellow wood, Alpine totara
Podocarpus 'Red Embers'
Alpine totara
Podocarpus lawrencei 'Blue Gem'
Alpine yellow wood, Lawrence's yellow wood, Alpine totara
Podocarpus nivalis 'Bronze'
Alpine totara
Podocarpus nivalis 'Kilworth Cream'
Dwarf alpine totara
Podocarpus salignus
Willowleaf podocarp, Willow podocarp, Manio