Dwarf Podocarpus
Location
General Plants
Podocarpus macrophyllus ‘Pringles’
- Common Name: Dwarf Podocarpus
- Scientific Name: Podocarpus macrophyllus ‘Pringles’
- Family Name: Podocarpaceae
- Origin: Africa and Asia
- Height: 3-5 feet
- Width: 3-6 feet
- Growth: Slow to moderate
- Zone: Hardy in zones 8a-11.
- Light Needs: Does well in full sun to part shade.
- Salt Tolerance: High salt tolerance
- Soil/PH/Texture: Neutral to acidic pH, can develop chlorosis (loss of green coloration) in alkaline or heavy soils.
- Soil Moisture: Prefers regular moderate watering.
- Drought Tolerance: Drought tolerant once established.
- Pests/Diseases: Disease resistant
- Growing Conditions: Plant in sun to part sun location in soil with some compost or peat moss added to increase acidity. Water once a week until established and new growth begins. Fertilize 3 times a year with a good granular fertilizer for optimal growth. Easy to prune when needed. Be sure to purchase dwarf variety if you are looking for a shrub that will stay under 5 feet. Pest free.
- Characteristics: Dwarf Podocarpus works well as a foundation planting. These carefree shrubs can be easily trimmed to maintain them at 2 ½ to 3 feet, unlike the regular variety which will grow to 7’. Evergreen, fine-textured foliage is a deep green, and new growth is a brighter light green. Foliage sometimes has a blue-green tint in shadier locations.
- Propagation: Softwood cuttings best taken in June or July.
- Wildlife: Good nesting spot for birds, deer resistant. Birds also enjoy eating the seed cones and disperse the seed.
- Facts: Prefers regular watering in a very sunny location. This plant is ideal for either sun or shade. Cold hardy anywhere in South Florida. Leaves are mildly toxic.
- Designer Considerations: Looks great as a small hedge or foundation plant. Easily clipped for a more manicured look or can be left untrimmed. Grows well in containers or can be used for bonsai.
