- Plant Characteristics: This evergreen conifer features narrow, leathery leaves and a dense, upright growth habit. It's valued for its adaptability as a hedge, screen, or ornamental tree.
- Growing & Care: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Tolerant of a variety of conditions, including drought once established. Regular watering promotes healthy growth, especially in dry periods.
- Tips for New Gardeners: An ideal choice for beginners due to its low maintenance and versatility. Prune to shape as needed. Be cautious if planted near walkways, as fallen berries can be slippery.
Podocarpus macrophyllus, often referred to as Yew Pine, Buddhist Pine, or Southern Yew, is an evergreen tree (or shrub) that is appreciated for its dense, dark green foliage and adaptability.
Native to China and Japan, this versatile plant can be grown as a tree, shrub, or even a bonsai, making it a popular choice in various garden styles.
Yew Pine typically grows to a height of 20 to 40 feet (6 to 12 meters), but can reach 50 feet (15 meters) in ideal conditions, with a spread of 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters). Its narrow, leathery leaves stay green year-round, while the fruit-like cones start as a pinkish color, maturing to a bluish-purple and attracting a variety of birds.
Gardeners' like Podocarpus macrophyllus for its low maintenance requirements and its adaptability to various growing conditions. Suitable for USDA Zones 7 to 11 (~RHS H4), it makes a versatile addition to both formal and informal landscapes, and can serve well as a privacy screen, hedge, or a focal point.
How to Grow Podocarpus macrophyllus in the Garden
The Yew Pine / Buddhist Pine is adaptable to a range of sunlight exposure, from full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a variety of soil types, from sand to clay, and from acidic to alkaline.
Propagation of Podocarpus macrophyllus is typically achieved through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in the summer.
Once established, Buddhist Pine requires minimal care. Water moderately, ensuring the soil is not waterlogged, and apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer to promote healthy growth.
While Podocarpus macrophyllus is generally a robust plant, it can be susceptible to sooty mold if infested with scale insects. Regular checks and prompt treatment can keep your plant healthy. Lastly, although not typically toxic, it's best to prevent pets and children from ingesting the plant.
Title: Quick Podocarpus macrophyllus Growing and Care Guide
Scientific Name: Podocarpus macrophyllus.
Common Names: Yew pine, Buddhist pine, Fern pine.
Growing Zone (USA / UK Hardiness): USDA Zones: 7-11. RHS Hardiness Rating: H4 (Hardy – Average winter).
Best Used For / Garden Location: Ideal as a hedge, screen, or specimen plant. Can also be trained as a bonsai. Prefers full sun to partial shade locations.
Plant Details
Life Cycle / Plant Type: Evergreen tree or shrub.
Plant Height: 20-40 feet (6-12 meters).
Plant Spread: 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 meters).
Blooms: Not significant.
Flower Details: Male plants have yellow catkins; female plants produce small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf Foliage: Dark green, needle-like leaves with pointed tips.
Fruit: Produces small, blue-purple, berry-like cones if female and a male plant is nearby.
Growing Conditions and Location
Best Light Conditions: Full sun to partial shade.
Suitable Soil Types: Adapts to a wide range of soil types, but prefers well-drained soil.
Sowing, planting: Plant container-grown plants in the spring.
Germination time: Not typically grown from seed.
Propagation: Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
Plant Care: Water regularly during first growing season. Once established, tolerates drought. Prune as needed.
Growing in pots and containers: Suitable for containers, particularly when trained as a bonsai.
Growing as a House plant: Can be grown as a houseplant. Provide bright light and avoid overwatering.
Further Information
Miscellaneous: Tolerant of urban conditions and salt spray, making it a good choice for coastal areas.
Pests and diseases: Watch for scale insects, mealybugs, and root rot.
Common Cultivars / Varieties: 'Maki' is a popular, more compact cultivar that is often used as a hedge.
Family: Podocarpaceae, the Podocarpus family.
Native: Native to China and Japan.
References and Further Reading: IFAS Extension: NC State Extension; and UA Aboretum.
Common Questions
Is Podocarpus macrophyllus invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Podocarpus macrophyllus is not considered invasive in the USA. While it can spread under optimal conditions, it doesn't tend to escape cultivation and disrupt native ecosystems.
How do I remove Podocarpus macrophyllus from my garden?
To remove Podocarpus macrophyllus, cut back the plant and dig out the root system. For larger specimens, professional help may be required due to the potential size and weight of the tree.
Summary
Podocarpus macrophyllus, originating from Japan and China, prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. This slow-growing evergreen tree or shrub is very adaptable to pruning, making it popular in landscaping.
I hope that you have enjoyed reading this guide on how to grow Buddhist Pine. You may also enjoy the following tree growing guides: How to grow Pawpaw, White Willow, Horse Chestnut, and Chinese Pistaches for the landscape garden.
