About
Podocarpus nubigenus, the Chilean podocarp, is a slow-growing, bushy, evergreen shrub or small tree with spirally arranged, dark-green, narrow, pointed leaves to around 2 cm long. Bright-red, berry-like, fleshy, modified cones are produced on mature female plants. An ornamental and rewarding podocarp for a sheltered, moist 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, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full heightMore than 50 years
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, large borders, parkland settings.
Native toChile to Argentina
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