These low-maintenance conifers are favored for windbreaks and hedges.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Podocarpusare commonly referred to asyewsbut they do not belong to the same plant family.
Theseconifersproduce a fleshy seed cone with two to five scales.
The Spruce / K. Dave
The scales swell and become berry-like, serving as an attractive food source for many types of birds.
Podocarpus trees make wonderful windbreaks, privacy screens, and hedges.
Another boon is that they are salt- anddrought-tolerant.
The Spruce / K. Dave
They can be planted in the spring or fall.
Podocarpusare toxic to pets.
They grow in both sun or shade, although more sunshine will encourage better growth.
The Spruce / K. Dave
They do not tolerate heavy, soggy soils.
Water
Podocarpus trees need consistent watering during their first year of growth.
These trees like moist soil, but do not fair well in soggy soil.
Therefore, water deeply and infrequently, waiting until the soil begins to dry to water again.
Temperatures above 55 to 60 degrees F are ideal.
These trees do best with moderate humidity levels.
Apply a slow-release fertilizer designed for trees and shrubs in the spring.
Types of Podocarpus Trees
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged woodat any time.
Otherwise, propagation can be done throughstem cuttings, though it is sometimes difficult for the cuttings to root.
Potting and Repotting Podocarpus Trees
Smaller varieties are suitable to be grown in containers.
The container must have large drainage holes.
Gently tip the pot onto its side and tap until the plant and its roots slide out.
Do not bury it deeper than it was before.
Water thoroughly until you see water draining from the drainage hole.
Overwintering
The plants are not winter-hardy below USDA hardiness zone 8.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Podocarpus does not often struggle with diseases or pests.
The trees may attract aphids, mites, scale insects, and sawflies.
Common Problems With Podocarpus Trees
Podocarpus trees are known for needing very little attention.
If this occurs, water deeply.
Be sure not to let the soil get soggy, as this will cause other problems.
If you notice gray leaves, reduce watering.
ThePodocarpusgenus contains a wide array of tree and shrub sizes.
Some, like thePodocarpus henkelii, reach up to 35 feet tall.
Others, such asPodocarpus macrophyllusMaki only grow up to eight feet tall.
Yes,Podocarpus macrophylluslends itself togrowing as a bonsai.
The plant responds very well to pruning and trimming which stimulates the desired ramification.
