Podocarpus
Podocarp, Yellow wood, Alpine totara
- Height × spread
- 0.5m – 10m × 1m – 4m
- Position
- All conditions
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
These conifers primarily come from New Zealand, and until recently have been little seen. Some varieties are too tender to over winter out of doors in the UK, but many others are hardy except perhaps in the coldest areas. Their foliage is distinctive, superficially like needles but having a flat surface, they have been likened to the leaves of willow trees. They form pleasing plants that can grow into small trees several metres or more in height in the UK, but are more often seen as mounded domes or nearly prostrate with short questing branches. There are some pleasing cultivars with blue or yellowed foliage as well as green forms.
- Foliage colour
- Blue, Brown, Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column, Cone, Dome, Prostrate
- Height
- 0.5m – 10m
- Spread
- 1m – 4m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Rock garden
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Structural, Architectural
- Maintenance
- Some varieties are easycare (low/no maintenance)
- 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.
Found in
More Podocarpus
Podocarpus 'Red Embers'
Alpine totara
Podocarpus lawrencei 'Blue Gem'
Alpine yellow wood, Lawrence's yellow wood, Alpine totara
Podocarpus macrophyllus
Kusamaki, Yew podocarpus, Bigleaf podocarp, Buddhist pine
Podocarpus nivalis 'Bronze'
Alpine totara
Podocarpus nivalis 'Kilworth Cream'
Dwarf alpine totara
Podocarpus salignus
Willowleaf podocarp, Willow podocarp, Manio