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
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Ideal for native or mixed evergreen hedges
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Excellent shelter or screening plant
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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
Large size 9 cm square pot
