Podocarpus Nivalis (Hybrid)
Podocarpus nivalis × Hybrid
Common Names: Alpine Hedge Tōtara, Hybrid Snow Tōtara
Family: Podocarpaceae
Origin: New Zealand (natural hybrid)
Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub
Overview
The Podocarpus nivalis × Hybrid, commonly known as the Alpine Hedge Tōtara, is a naturally occurring cross of the hardy Snow Tōtara (Podocarpus nivalis). This outstanding evergreen shrub retains the fine, elegant texture of the Tōtara while offering denser foliage and a slightly larger form. Tough yet refined, it excels as a premium low hedge, shelter plant, or background evergreen in exposed and challenging sites.
Key Features
Foliage: Deep green, needle-like leaves forming a dense, lush texture; evergreen all year.
Flowers / Fruit: Inconspicuous; occasional small seed cones typical of Tōtara species.
Form & Habit: Compact, bushy, and symmetrical with a naturally tidy outline.
Growth Rate: Moderate.
Cultural & Ecological Value: Hardy New Zealand native tolerant of frost, wind, and poor soils; ideal for ecological restoration and habitat planting.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.5 m |
| Spread | 1.5 m |
| Form | Compact, rounded shrub |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Water | Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established |
| Soil | Free-draining soils; tolerates sandy or rocky conditions |
| pH Range | Neutral to slightly acidic |
| Frost Tolerance | Excellent; withstands alpine and coastal exposure |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
-
Superb for low to medium hedging and screening
-
Excellent mass-planted for structure and ground stability on slopes
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Durable choice for exposed, coastal, or cold-climate sites
-
Great evergreen background shrub for native gardens or mixed borders
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Clip lightly once or twice a year to maintain shape and density.
Watering: Moderate during establishment; minimal thereafter.
Feeding: Occasional slow-release native fertiliser in spring encourages lush growth.
Pests & Diseases: Generally pest- and disease-free.
Additional Tips
Performs best in sunny, open positions with good drainage. Avoid waterlogging. Excellent choice where durability and structure are required without heavy maintenance.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
This naturally occurring hybrid bridges the toughness of Podocarpus nivalis with the fuller habit of larger Tōtara species, combining alpine resilience with ornamental appeal.
Why Choose Podocarpus nivalis × Hybrid?
A refined, hardy evergreen ideal for structured hedging or naturalistic planting—combining elegance, density, and resilience in one exceptional native shrub.
Pot Size: These are our standard size in 7 cm square pots.
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.
