About
Podocarpus acutifolius, the needle-leaved totara, is a small to medium-sized conifer forming a bushy shrub to around 4 m with dense, prickly foliage. Linear, needle-like leaves 1�2.5 cm long are sharply pointed and green to yellow-green; new growth often emerges bronze-green in spring. An ornamental and architectural conifer for a sheltered, well-drained, sunny garden.
About the genus
Podocarpus are evergreen shrubs or trees with spirally arranged, often two-ranked, linear or lance-shaped leaves and fleshy, plum-shaped fruits on female plants. A large genus of conifers from the Southern Hemisphere, grown as ornamental specimen plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Rock garden, Patio and container plants
Native toNew Zealand (S Island)
Care notes
CultivationTolerant of a range of soils, but does best in fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in a sunny, sheltered position
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free