Overview
Podocarpus polystachyus is a bushy, upright, rounded, dense, low-growing, arching conifers in the genus Podocarpus, part of the Podocarpaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Podocarpus polystachyus 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 polystachyus is a cultivar of the Podocarpus genus, which includes evergreen shrubs and trees with foliage typically arranged in two ranks. This coniferous shrub exhibits a bushy, upright, and dense habit, making it suitable for sheltered positions with full sun or partial shade. It thrives in a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels, provided the soil is moist but well-drained. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is a low-maintenance plant valued for its evergreen foliage and winter interest.
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 polystachyus 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 polystachyus
- 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 polystachyus?
Podocarpus polystachyus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Podocarpus polystachyus need?
Podocarpus polystachyus 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 polystachyus hardy in the UK?
Podocarpus polystachyus 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 polystachyus?
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Podocarpus genus
- Podocarpus costalis
- Podocarpus elatusbrown pine
- Podocarpus lawrenceimountain plum pine
- Podocarpus longefoliolatus
- Podocarpus macrophyllus (m)large-leaved podocarp
- Podocarpus neriifoliusoleander podocarp
- Podocarpus parlatorei
- Podocarpus brassii