About
Podocarpus macrophyllus, kusamaki, is a slow-growing evergreen tree to around 3 m in UK conditions with thin, oblong, dark-green foliage and scaly, dark-brown bark. Fleshy, blue-black, rounded fruits appear in summer on female plants. Often used in Japanese gardens and responds well to pruning to maintain a bushy habit. An elegant and ornamental podocarp for a sheltered, 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, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Shrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toFar East
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