Overview
Podocarpus elatus is a bushy, upright, rounded, dense, low-growing, arching conifers in the genus Podocarpus, part of the Podocarpaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Podocarpus elatus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include low maintenance.
About
Podocarpus elatus, known as the plum pine, the brown pine, the Illawarra plum or the Queensland Christmas tree, is a species of Podocarpus endemic to the east coast of Australia, in eastern New South Wales and eastern Queensland. It is a medium to large evergreen tree growing to 30–36 m tall with a trunk up to 1.5 m diameter. The leaves are lanceolate, 5–15 cm long (to 25 cm long on vigorous young trees) and 6–18 mm broad. The seed cones are dark blue-purple, berry-like, with a fleshy base 2-2.5 cm diameter bearing a single oval or globose seed 1 cm in diameter. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). Suggested uses include low maintenance. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Podocarpus elatus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Podocarpus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Podocarpus elatus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conifers, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Upright, Rounded, Dense, Low-growing, Arching
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Podocarpus elatus
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Podocarpus elatus?
Podocarpus elatus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Podocarpus elatus need?
Podocarpus elatus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Podocarpus elatus hardy in the UK?
Podocarpus elatus has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Podocarpus elatus?
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Podocarpus genus
- Podocarpus costalis
- Podocarpus lawrenceimountain plum pine
- Podocarpus longefoliolatus
- Podocarpus macrophyllus (m)large-leaved podocarp
- Podocarpus neriifoliusoleander podocarp
- Podocarpus parlatorei
- Podocarpus polystachyus
- Podocarpus brassii