22 gardener saves
Podocarpus: the varieties gardeners actually grow
We track 7 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 7 most-saved Podocarpus varieties
Of 7 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedHenkel's Yellowwood
Podocarpus henkelii
#2 most savedRoman Candle Podocarpus
Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Miu'
#3 most savedMountain Plum-pine
Podocarpus lawrencei 'Purple King'
Outeniqua Yellowwood
Podocarpus falcatus
Snow Podocarp
Podocarpus nivalis 'Female Form'
Weeping Podocarpus
Podocarpus gracilior
Yew Plum Pine
Podocarpus macrophyllus
How to grow Podocarpus
What the Podocarpus varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Podocarpus year
- PlantFebruary, March, April, September and October100% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall in well-drained soil.
- PruneApril–July100% of varieties
Prune or shear as needed during the growing season to maintain shape.
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Do
- Prune to maintain shape and remove dead branches ✂️
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Water regularly during the first year to establish a deep root system
- Prune to shape and encourage dense growth
- Provide good drainage; it dislikes constantly wet feet
Avoid
- Do not plant in a waterlogged or poorly drained location
- Avoid letting the plant dry out completely when young
- Don't plant too deep, which can lead to root issues
- Avoid heavy fertilization, which is generally unnecessary
What goes wrong with Podocarpus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale insects | Sticky residue and yellowing leaves | Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Scale Insects | Small, immobile bumps on stems and leaves, often accompanied by sticky honeydew and sooty mold. | Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season. Scrub off light infestations. Use a systemic insecticide for heavy infestations. |
| Scale | Small bumps on stems, sticky honeydew, and sooty mold. | Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season or when crawlers are active. Systemic insecticides can be effective for heavy infestations. |
| Aphids | Clusters of small insects on new growth, sticky honeydew, and sooty mold. | Spray with a strong jet of water. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Systemic insecticides can be used for severe infestations. |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning foliage | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Yellowing foliage, wilting, and plant decline, especially in heavy, wet soils. | Prevention is the only cure. Ensure excellent drainage. Plant in raised beds or on slopes if soil is heavy. |
Making more Podocarpus
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood cuttings.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 6 weeks.
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings in summer.
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Stick in a well-drained potting mix.
- Keep warm and humid; rooting takes 2-3 months.
Podocarpus questions
How many types of Podocarpus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Podocarpus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 22 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Podocarpus grow in?
Across its varieties, Podocarpus covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Podocarpus bloom?
Most Podocarpus varieties bloom in spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Podocarpus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Podocarpus shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Podocarpus in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
