Podocarpus Tree (Podocarpus Macrophyllus)
Growing Zones: 9 – 11
Growth Rate: Up to 2 feet per year
Mature Height: 25 – 35 feet
Mature Width: 15 – 20 feet
Growth Form: Can be maintained as a dense hedge or grown as a tree
Foliage Color: Deep green, soft-textured leaves
Soil Conditions: Adapts well to a wide range of soil types
Recommended Spacing: 2 – 4 feet apart for hedges
About our Podocarpus
The Podocarpus Macrophyllus, commonly referred to as the Podocarpus or Buddhist Pine, is a refined evergreen that brings structure, beauty, and purpose to any landscape. With its dense, dark green, strap-like foliage and upright growth habit, it is rapidly becoming a favorite choice for privacy hedges and ornamental features across South Florida and other warm climate regions.
Capable of reaching mature heights of 25 to 35 feet, the Podocarpus delivers both elegance and stature. Its natural form is columnar and tidy, but it can easily be maintained as a compact hedge or shaped into a manicured screen, offering immense flexibility for both residential and commercial applications. Its rich foliage provides a formal, tailored look while still offering a soft texture that blends seamlessly with tropical and modern landscapes alike.
Thriving in USDA Zones 9–11, the Podocarpus exhibits a moderate growth rate of approximately 2 feet per year and performs exceptionally well in a variety of soil types. Whether planted in sandy, loamy, or well-drained urban soils, it adapts with ease. Its strong tolerance for both full sun and partial shade makes it a reliable and forgiving choice in a range of lighting conditions.
One of the most compelling features of the Podocarpus is its low-maintenance nature. Once established, it is remarkably drought-tolerant and resistant to most pests and diseases. Its slow shedding and neat form make it ideal for clean, manicured landscapes. When planted with 2 to 4 feet spacing, it forms a thick, lush privacy wall that offers year-round beauty and seclusion — all with minimal upkeep.
The Podocarpus stands as a symbol of quiet strength and elegance in the landscape — a tree or hedge that elevates its surroundings with grace and enduring charm.
Podocarpus Sizes & Prices
Choose the dimensions for your privacy screen based on your patience level and budget. Larger sizes offer immediate privacy but at a higher cost. Ultimately, all trees will achieve the desired outcome, so your willingness to wait is key.
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Watering Instructions
Understanding Watering Needs: Podocarpus trees are moderately drought-tolerant once established, but they do best with consistent moisture during their early growth period. The key is to keep the soil evenly moist without allowing it to become soggy. Good drainage is essential to protect the roots from rot.
Soil Type: Plant Podocarpus in well-draining soil. It adapts well to a wide range of soil types, including sandy or loamy soils. For potted Podocarpus, a mix of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand works well. Avoid heavy clay or compacted soil that retains too much water.
Watering Frequency: Water your Podocarpus when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. During establishment (the first year), water regularly to support root development. Once established, the tree will require less frequent watering but should still be monitored during dry spells.
Seasonal Variations: Water more frequently during hot, dry months, especially in spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. In cooler months or periods of high rainfall, reduce watering to avoid overwatering.
Watering Technique: Water deeply and slowly at the base of the tree to encourage deep root growth. Allow water to soak into the soil rather than running off the surface. For container plants, water until you see drainage from the bottom, then let excess water drain completely.
Avoid Overwatering: While Podocarpus can handle short dry periods, it is sensitive to prolonged soggy conditions. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal issues. If the soil remains wet for too long or the plant begins to show signs of stress (such as yellowing leaves), reduce watering.
Humidity: Podocarpus is adaptable and does not require high humidity. It performs well in normal outdoor humidity levels and is well-suited for Florida and similar climates. No additional misting or humidity trays are needed.
Rainwater or Tap Water: Podocarpus is not especially sensitive to tap water, but if your water is high in salt or chlorine, using rainwater or filtered water can be beneficial, particularly for potted plants.
Temperature Consideration: Avoid watering during extreme heat or cold. The best time to water is early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler and water uptake is more efficient.
Monitor for Signs of Stress: Keep an eye out for dry, browning leaf tips (a sign of underwatering) or yellowing, wilting foliage (a potential sign of overwatering). Adjust your watering practices based on how the plant responds to seasonal conditions and your local environment.
Trimming Instructions
Timing: The best time to trim Podocarpus is during its active growing season, which typically spans from spring through early fall. Avoid pruning during colder months or when the plant is stressed, as recovery and new growth will be slower outside the growing season.
Tools: Use clean, sharp pruning shears or hedge trimmers to ensure smooth, precise cuts. Always sanitize your tools before and after use to prevent the spread of pests or diseases. Gloves are recommended, especially when trimming large hedges or working with dense branches.
Identify Areas for Trimming: Start by assessing the overall shape and health of your Podocarpus. Look for dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as any stray shoots or uneven growth that disrupt the clean form of the plant.
Remove Dead or Diseased Branches: Trim away any brown, brittle, or blackened branches, making your cuts just above a healthy leaf node or lateral branch. This promotes healthy regrowth and reduces the risk of disease spreading within the plant.
Shape and Thin Out Growth: Trim overgrown or outward-sprawling sections to maintain the desired shape, whether you’re growing Podocarpus as a hedge or tree. For hedges, maintain clean vertical sides and a flat or slightly rounded top. For tree form, remove lower limbs to expose the trunk and encourage upward growth.
Consider Natural Form: Podocarpus has a naturally upright and symmetrical growth habit. When trimming, work with this natural form to enhance its elegance while keeping size under control. Avoid excessive shearing that can leave the plant looking boxy or bare.
Prune Conservatively: Podocarpus tolerates trimming well, but it’s best to trim lightly and regularly rather than performing a heavy cutback all at once. If unsure, err on the side of caution — you can always shape it more over time.
Manage Height: If the tree or hedge is getting too tall, cut back the top growth just above a lateral branch or node. This not only controls height but also encourages bushier growth beneath the cut, improving overall density.
Clean Up Debris: After trimming, remove all clippings, leaves, and dead material from around the base of the plant. This helps prevent pest problems, fungal growth, and keeps your landscape neat.
Monitor Growth: Watch how the Podocarpus responds over the next few weeks. Healthy new shoots and fuller growth indicate successful pruning. Make small adjustments each season to maintain the desired shape and ensure continued vigor.
By following these trimming guidelines, you’ll keep your Podocarpus looking neat, healthy, and beautifully sculpted for years to come.