This evergreen tree or shrub will add structure and a beautiful green color to your garden.
One thing we love is the way they also provide structure and privacy.
(Think about planting podocarpus to block an unsightly view.)
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Given staking and tying,P.
elongatustypes eventually become upright trees, though their foliage mass persists in drooping for some time.
Podocarpus tolerates drought and salt spray, making it a good choice in the coastal South.
Credit:Southern Living/Evgeniya Vlasova
Podocarpus has a slow to moderate growth rate.
Plant it in spring or fall.
Note that all parts of these trees and shrubs are toxic to pets and people if eaten.
Credit:Southern Living/Evgeniya Vlasova
Give them full sun to partial shade and moist but well-drained soil, and the tree will grow well.
Podocarpus tolerates salt and drought well.
The more sunshine they receive, the more these trees and shrubs will thrive.
Credit:Southern Living/Evgeniya Vlasova
Soil
Podocarpus prefers rich, organic soil that is moist and drains well.
It tolerates a variety of well-draining soils and does well in sandy soil.
Podocarpus wont grow well in soggy, heavy soil.
Water at the base of the plant and not over the leaves to prevent molding or mildew.
It prefers a temperature of 60F to 75F.
For best growth, keep it above 55F.
Bring potted podocarpus indoors for winter in colder areas outside the zone.
Do not fertilize in the fall.
Don’t prune in the fall because new growth will be more susceptible to damage from cold temperatures.
Propagating Podocarpus
Podocarpus that is patented cannot be propagated.
To propagate other types of podocarpus, do so by planting seeds or viastem cuttings.
You’ll need clean pruning shears, rich, well-draining soil, a small pot, and rooting hormone.
Gather seeds, sphagnum moss, organic soil, a resealable plastic bag, and small pots.
This will allow the roots to spread out and the tree to grow.
When the roots fill the pot, its time to choose a bigger pot.
You also want to double-check the pot has holes for drainage.
When there is no more room for the roots to grow, it’stime to repotinto a larger pot.
Trees or shrubs will do just fine in the ground.
But in areas cooler than Zone 8, podocarpus should be overwintered.
Overwinter container podocarpus indoors and place in a location that gets bright, indirect light.
Common Pests And Plant Diseases
Podocarpus is not susceptible to many pests or diseases.
You may see mites, aphids, sawflies, or scale.
Treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if pests are damaging the plant.
If the plant has root rot, adjust watering and amend the soil if needed.
If you notice discolored foliage, that’s a sign there’s something going on with your podocarpus.
Leaves Turning Gray
Gray leaves indicate a problem with overwatering.
Too much water can cause fungal diseases and root rot.
Male plants have clusters of small cylindrical cones.
Female plants have cones with fleshy berries that develop seeds after pollination.
Depending on the variety, podocarpus can grow quickly at a rate of two feet a year.
NC State Extension.Podocarpus macrophyllus.
