About
A hardy, evergreen, low-growing, spreading conifer shrub to around 50cm in height with small, oval-shaped leaves. New shoots appear orange in spring, turning to shades of green in summer then finally to bronze-purple in the autumn and winter. Flowers on this female variety need to be pollinated by a male plant in order to produce berries.
About the genus
Podocarpus can be evergreen shrubs or trees, with spirally arranged, but usually 2-ranked, leaves which may be linear or narrowly lanceolate; plum-shaped fleshy fruits are produced only where male and female trees grow together
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Shrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil. Protect from cool, drying winds
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free