Podocarpus
Podocarpus macrophyllus
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Sep 16, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Podocarpus
Podocarpus (Podocarpus macrophyllus) is a slow-growing evergreen conifer native to Japan and China, bearing long, flat, yew-like needles of deep glossy green and a dense, columnar to oval form. Female plants produce fleshy, berry-like, purplish-blue seed receptacles on mature trees. Highly versatile in the landscape, it is widely used as a formal hedge, privacy screen, topiary subject, or specimen tree in warm climates. Starting at $14.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Non-flowering
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained, Acidic
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Podocarpus grows best in full sun, which produces the densest, most compact form. It tolerates part shade but becomes looser and slower-growing. In NE Florida, full sun placement along a hedge or screen line is ideal.
Water regularly during establishment (first 1–2 years); once established, Podocarpus is moderately drought-tolerant and rarely needs supplemental irrigation except during prolonged dry spells. Never plant in poorly drained or wet soil — root rot is the primary killer.
Plant in well-drained, slightly acidic sandy or loamy soil — never in wet or clay-heavy sites. Fertilize 2–3 times per year (spring, summer, early fall) with a slow-release balanced fertilizer; supplement with magnesium sulfate if yellowing occurs on sandy NE Florida soils.
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Common questions
Is Podocarpus a good plant for St. Augustine?
Podocarpus is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with medium salt tolerance, reaching 15-40 feet × 6-15 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.