Is Podocarpus a yew?

Category: home and garden landscaping
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Podocarpus Plant Care: Learn About Podocarpus Yew Pine Trees. Podocarpus plants are often referred to as Japanese yews; however, they are not a true member of the Taxus genus. It is their needle-like leaves and growth form that is similar to the yew family, as well as their berries.



Regarding this, is Podocarpus a tree or a shrub?

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.

Secondly, are Podocarpus roots invasive? Podocarpus macrophyllus (yew podocarpus) is a slow growing 40-50? 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.

Thereof, are Podocarpus fast growing?

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. Homeowners can get creative with the shape of this evergreen shrub or tree.

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.

31 Related Question Answers Found

Is Podocarpus poisonous to dogs?

Toxicity to pets
This plant, which is also called the Yew Pine, Southern Yew, or Podocarpus, can be poisonous when ingested. The fruits and leaves of this plant contain an unknown toxin that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea when consumed.

How long does it take to grow a podocarpus hedge?

This plant makes a good hedge or screen, and can grow either indoors or outdoors. You can plant podocarpus from seeds or from cuttings. While hardwood cuttings take root easily, podocarpus seeds can take up to six months to germinate.

How far apart should 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.

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.

How do you prune a podocarpus hedge?


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.

Why do Podocarpus turn brown?

They can suffer from root rot if the soil is kept too wet, though. This might be the case if you watered more often than once a week or if they are near a lawn or flower bed that is watered frequently. Symptoms of root rot are browning foliage.

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.

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.

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!

Does Podocarpus grow in shade?


Podocarpus have a dense growth habit. Showing best growth and form in full sun, Podocarpus will also grow in shade but will grow more slowly and have a looser appearance. It will tolerate a variety of well-drained, acidic soils; however, it does not perform well on wet soils and may become yellow.

What is a good privacy hedge for Florida?

  • Allamanda Bush. Allamanda is a thick bush that can be formed into a nice hedge or used as an accent plant.
  • Alocasia. The Alocasia has large green leaves that grow in an upright fashion.
  • Arborvitae.
  • Areca Palm.
  • Bahama Strongbark.
  • Bay Cedar.
  • Bird of Paradise, Orange.
  • Black Bead.

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.

Are Podocarpus berries edible?

The red, purple or bluish fleshy fruit of most species of Podocarpus are edible, raw or cooked into jams or pies, and they have a mucilaginous texture with a slightly sweet flavor. However, the fruit are slightly toxic and should therefore be eaten sparingly, especially when eaten raw. The timber of P.

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.

How do you plant Podocarpus?


Dig a hole that is twice as wide and equal in depth to the podocarpus plant's root ball with a shovel. Space the hole 25 to 35 feet away from other plants, buildings and stationary objects. Push the shovel's blade repeatedly into the sides of the hole to create slits in the soil that will encourage outward root growth.

What does Podocarpus 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.

Can you transplant Podocarpus?

ANSWER: This small plant can be moved anytime of the year. But early spring is ideal because the plant is not under the added stress of hot days. Make the move by digging around the podocarpus to shape the root ball. Move the plant to its new home in the sun and keep the soil moist.