Podocarpus acutifolius
Podocarpus acutifolius
Overview
A hardy New Zealand native conifer with fine, bronze-green foliage that gives a soft, feathery texture year-round. Naturally compact and adaptable, it’s an excellent choice for shelter belts, native hedges, or as a structural specimen in mixed plantings.
Key Features
Foliage: Small, narrow, sharply pointed leaves, bronze-green in summer turning deeper green in winter.
Flowers / Fruit: Inconspicuous; followed by small seed cones on female plants that attract native birds.
Form & Habit: Dense, bushy, and upright; easily trimmed for formal or natural shapes.
Growth Rate: Moderate.
Cultural & Ecological Value: Provides shelter and nesting sites for native wildlife; tolerant of wind, frost, and coastal conditions.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 2 – 3 m |
| Spread | 1.5 – 2 m |
| Form | Upright, compact |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water | Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established |
| Soil | Prefers free-draining soils; adapts to clay or loam if not waterlogged |
| pH Range | Neutral to slightly acidic |
| Frost Tolerance | Excellent frost hardiness (down to –10 °C) |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
-
Ideal for native or mixed evergreen hedges
-
Excellent shelter or screening plant
-
Adds fine texture and structure to coastal or alpine gardens
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Suitable for containers or formal topiary shaping
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Trim annually or as required to maintain form and density.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment; once mature, only occasional deep watering needed.
Feeding: Apply a balanced native plant fertiliser in spring.
Pests & Diseases: Generally pest- and disease-free; may require good air circulation to prevent scale insects in humid zones.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
The species name acutifolius means “sharp-leaved,” referring to its pointed foliage tips. It’s naturally found throughout the eastern and southern South Island, thriving in cold, exposed conditions.
Why Choose Podocarpus acutifolius?
A tough, attractive native that handles wind, frost, and trimming with ease—perfect for long-lived hedging or low-maintenance structural planting.
Pot Size
9 cm square pot
Pot Size:
Standard Pot = 7cm Square
Large Pot = 9cm Square
Extra Large Pot = 1.5L Round
Use this guide to see how many plants of your selected pot size fit into a half or full carton.
Standard Pot = 25 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 10 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 5 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Standard Pot = 50 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 25 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 10 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Product Size:
The photo next to the ruler shows an example of the plant for sale (cm's) to give an indication of the size. Please note that the photo is for reference only; the size and appearance of the plant may vary.
Please Note:
Shipping charge applies. Available for immediate dispatch only, while stocks last.
