Are Podocarpus fast growing?

Category: home and garden landscaping
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From eastern Africa, this Podocarpus gracilior is a versatile, fast-growing plant popular with homeowners looking for good privacy screens, windbreakers and background plants for their landscape. Podocarpus gracilior can be trimmed down to fit into tighter forms, or be left alone to reach heights of up to 40-feet.



Accordingly, how quickly does Podocarpus grow?

Podocarpus gracilior, or fern pine, can reach 60' in old age, but grows very slowly (less than 6" per year).

Additionally, how far apart do you plant Podocarpus? Plant spacing Place these shrubs 3 feet apart. Come away from the house 2-1/2 or 3 feet. Along a walk or driveway, come in 4 to 5 feet to allow for mature size.

Accordingly, how do you make Podocarpus grow faster?

Podocarpus can go without bright or direct light for long stretches but will grow taller and faster under the bright light of the sun. Like any plant, they do need regular watering, though they can stand long periods with no water, especially if the soil is particularly dense.

How often should you water Podocarpus?

Keep the soil moist but not soggy; allow the top two inches to dry out before watering. Brown leaf tips or gray needles. indicate over- watering. Feed a Podocarpus every two weeks in the spring and summer when it is actively growing.

32 Related Question Answers Found

Do podocarpus trees have invasive roots?

An added advantage, Podocarpus has non-invasive roots so it can be planted close to a sidewalk, and appears to resist wind damage. It will grow on a range of moist but free draining soils, preferring those that are slightly acidic.

Is Podocarpus a tree or a shrub?

Podocarpus (/ˌpo?d?ˈk?ːrp?s/) is a genus of conifers, the most numerous and widely distributed of the podocarp family, Podocarpaceae. Podocarpus are evergreen shrubs or trees, usually from 1 to 25 metres (3 to 82 ft) tall, known to reach 40 metres (130 ft) at times.

What is the best fertilizer for Podocarpus?

You can use any general purpose garden fertilizer for your podocarpus. The formulas are usually 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Even though you have not specifically fed your hedge, it is probably getting nutrients from the soil and benefitting from whatever you feed your lawn if it is in close proximity to your turf.

When should you trim Podocarpus?

Time to Prune
Pruning Podocarpus in the summer encourages secondary growth that is as attractive as new spring growth. Although you might be cutting out its attractive red or purple fruits, pruning in late summer through October might give you a better flush of new growth the following spring.

Is Podocarpus messy?


The inconspicuous flowers are followed by fleshy, purple, small, edible fruits (very good to eat) on female trees which are quite attractive to birds but not really messy on sidewalks or pavement. Leaves are recurved, unlike the straight leaves on the species. Scientific name: Podocarpus macrophyllus var.

Is Podocarpus drought tolerant?

Podocarpus is very low maintenance once established. Practically pest free and can take light shade or direct light conditions. Although podocarpus can be very drought tolerant when sited well, these shrubs generally look better when they get some dry season water. See bottom photo - this fern pine needs some water!

Are Podocarpus poisonous to dogs?

Yew pine (Podocarpus macrophylla), part of the Podocarpaceae family, are evergreen shrubs or trees that have needle-like leaves and pods. All parts of the tree can be toxic to dogs if ingested, with even small amounts leading to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, possibly causing dehydration in your dog.

Why do Podocarpus turn brown?

When salts have washed into the soil under a yew, leaching the soil with a large amount of water may help. Wounds to the bark of branches can also cause portions of yews to turn brown. Such wounds can be caused by animals or inadvertent injury by people.

How do you shape a Podocarpus tree?

Trim the green tips of the podocarpus to shape the tree or encourage fullness. Prune the outermost growth very lightly to create hedges. Act in July or August to experience a second flush of growth. Avoid shearing the branches of this tree in any season.

How tall is a 3 gallon Podocarpus?


This evergreen shrub grows to a height of 15-20 ft. tall and about 10 ft. wide, but can be kept much shorter with pruning.

What does a Podocarpus plant look like?

About Podocarpus Plants. Plants can achieve 8 to 10 feet (2 to 3 m.) in height with an upright, slightly pyramidal form and finely textured, slender evergreen leaves that are very resistant to deer damage. The fruits are very decorative, with blue female cones that develop into fleshy purple to pink elongated berries.

How much does Podocarpus cost?

Palm Beach Nursery (786) 255 - 2832 ?We Deliver
Podocarpus Prices and Sizes
Podocarpus Size ?Price each Height
3 Gallon $5 2 Feet
7 Gallon $16 3.5-4 Feet
15 Gallon $45 6 Feet

Can you grow Podocarpus from cuttings?

Podocarpus is easily propagated from cuttings taken in late summer or early fall. Dip in Rootone F or in Dip'N'Grow and root in a cold frame or under glass. Cuttings root slowly.

Why are my podocarpus leaves turning yellow?

Iron chlorosis may be the culprit behind your Japanese yew's yellowing leaves. A common sign is that the leaves' veins remain dark green as the rest of the leaf turns yellow. If the soil is this alkaline, use sulfur or peat moss to lower the pH, which will make iron more available to the tree.

How do you transplant Podocarpus?


Make the move by digging around the podocarpus to shape the root ball. A ball of soil about 18 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep should be adequate to contain the roots. Do make sure the soil is moist when you dig. Move the plant to its new home in the sun and keep the soil moist.

How do you propagate Podocarpus?

Propagate podocarpus by taking a softwood cutting from new growth and keeping it moist until it grows roots.
  1. Wait until June or July to take the cutting from a podocarpus.
  2. Wait until early morning, when the stems are moist and firm.
  3. Pull off all but the uppermost two leaves on the podocarpus cutting and discard them.

How do you germinate Podocarpus seeds?

Growing podocarpus trees from seed is simple but time-consuming since they sometimes take up to two months before sprouting, but the seeds will germinate reliably if provided with a moist environment where temperatures stay below 50 F at all times. Place 2 cups of sphagnum moss in a bowl full of clean, cool water.