How to Grow Podocarpus Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Podocarpus shrub is an ornamental, coniferous shrub that is native to East Asia. It is also known as the Buddhist pine or the yew pine. The podocarpus shrub has a pyramidal growth habit and can grow up to 20 feet tall. The leaves are dark green and needle-like, and the cones are small and round. The podocarpus shrub is tolerant of a variety of soil types and is drought-resistant. It is an excellent choice for hedges, screens, and foundation plantings.

How to Grow Podocarpus Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Buddhist pine
  • Plum-fir
  • Umbrella pine
  • Shrubby yew
  • Japanese yew

Good to Know

  • The podocarpus shrub is a native plant to Japan and China.
  • It is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall.
  • The shrub has long, narrow leaves that are a deep green in color.
  • The podocarpus shrub produces small, yellowish-green flowers.
  • The fruit of the podocarpus shrub is a small, purple berry.
  • The podocarpus shrub prefers full sun to partial shade.
  • The shrub is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers well-drained soil.
  • The podocarpus shrub is low-maintenance and does not require much pruning.
  • The shrub is susceptible to a few pest and disease problems, including scale, aphids, and root rot.
  • The podocarpus shrub is an excellent choice for use in hedges, foundation plantings, and as a specimen plant.

Growing Steps

  1. For podocarpus shrub, first step is to find a location that gets full sun or partial sun for best growth.
  2. Then, prepare the soil by digging a hole that is twice the width and depth of the shrubÂ’s root ball.
  3. Next, mix some compost or organic matter into the hole to help with drainage.
  4. After that, place the shrub in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping it down as you go.
  5. Once the shrub is in place, water it deeply to help settle the roots.
  6. Next, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the shrub to help with moisture retention.
  7. Finally, give the shrub a slow and deep watering once a week during the first growing season.

Related plant:
Podocarpus Hedge

The Soil

About soil condition, podocarpus shrub prefer well-drained, fertile soil, and they are quite drought tolerant once established. They also prefer a slightly acidic soil. If you have these conditions, then your podocarpus should do quite well.

Light requirement

Just like other plants, the podocarpus shrub needs sunlight to grow. According to the University of Florida, this shrub should be placed in an area that gets full sun to partial shade. If you live in an area with very hot summers, it's best to give the podocarpus some afternoon shade.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for a podocarpus shrub is one in which the temperature is not too hot and not too cold. The ideal temperature range for a podocarpus shrub is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60%. This podocarpus shrub cannot tolerate extremely dry or wet conditions. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to drop. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, usually the plant food is added to the soil to provide essential minerals for the podocarpus shrub to grow. However, because this podocarpus is arootbound plant, the fertilizer may not be able to reach the roots. In this case, you may need to use a rootstimulant.

About light

Pruning a podocarpus shrub is a simple process that can be done with just a few basic tools. First, use a sharp pair of shears to trim away any dead or damaged branches. Next, focus on shaping the shrub by pruning away any straggly or misshapen growth. Finally, use a hand pruners to tidy up the shrub by trimming away any small branches or leaves that are blocking the desired shape.

About Propagating

Propagation of podocarpus shrubs is best achieved through rooting stem cuttings taken from new growth. The stem cuttings should be taken from the tips of the branches and should be about 6 inches long. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants that have been well-watered. The cuttings should be placed in a planting mix that is high in organic matter and has good drainage. After planting, the mix should be kept moist but not wet. Rooting will usually occur within 8-10 weeks.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 6 and 12 inches a year. A podocarpus that has a good growth rate may put on as much as 18 inches in a year, while a slower growing podocarpus may only manage 6 inches.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, aphids, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with Bacillus thuringiensis, neem oil, and horticultural oil. If the problem is severe, you may need to contact a professional pest control company.

Tips on Growing

  • Make sure to choose a planting location that has well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
  • If your podocarpus shrub is young, you will need to water it regularly during its first growing season to make sure the roots establish properly.
  • Fertilize your podocarpus shrub in early spring and then again in mid-summer using a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your podocarpus shrub regularly to shape it and control its size.
  • Protect your shrub from winter damage by covering it with a burlap wrap or placing it in a sheltered location.
  • Deer and rabbits typically leave podocarpus shrubs alone, but you may need to protect young plants from these animals.
  • Japanese beetles may also be a problem for podocarpus shrubs, so be sure to check for these pests regularly.
  • Powdery mildew can

Alternative Plants

  • Yew (Taxus baccata)
  • Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
  • Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
  • Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
  • Spruce (Picea abies)
  • Larch (Larix decidua)
  • Fir (Abies alba)
  • Juniper (Juniperus communis)
  • Cedar (Cedrus deodara)
  • Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: PodocarpusÂ…
Podocarpus macrophyllus - Japanese yew or Chinese yew
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Search Results

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category