tree

Weeping Podocarpus

Podocarpus gracilior

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived evergreen tree

Native To

Eastern Africa

Toxicity

Fleshy seeds are mildly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Afrocarpus gracilior, commonly known as Fern Pine, is a versatile evergreen conifer from Africa with fine-textured, soft, grayish-green foliage and a graceful, slightly weeping habit. This plant is exceptionally adaptable, capable of being trained as a dense hedge, a formal espalier, a topiary, a screen, or grown as a beautiful specimen tree.

Uses & Benefits:

Its fine-textured, soft foliage provides a unique, graceful look in the landscape. It can be tightly sheared into formal shapes, making it a living architectural element.

It is an outstanding choice for creating a dense, 'no-mess' privacy screen or hedge that requires less water than many other screening plants once established. It is also a clean street tree.

The small, fleshy fruits are a food source for birds. When grown as a large tree or dense hedge, it provides valuable nesting sites and cover for wildlife in urban environments.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with good drainage and full sun or light shade.
Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball.
Set the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill the hole with the native soil.
Water thoroughly to remove air pockets and settle the soil.
Mulch around the base to conserve water and reduce weeds.

Pro Tip

Water deeply and infrequently to encourage a deep, drought-tolerant root system; avoid frequent, shallow watering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune regularly to maintain desired shape and density.
Provide deep, infrequent waterings once established.
Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Plant in a location with good air circulation.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained soil.
Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Don't allow it to become a tangled mess; prune for structure.
Avoid planting where falling fruit could be a nuisance on pavement.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant evergreen privacy screen or hedgeGraceful specimen tree for lawnsFormal espalier against a sunny wall

Companion Plants

Agapanthus Pittosporum tobira 'Variegatum' Westringia fruticosa Lantana montevidensis Dietes iridioides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Weeping Podocarpus questions

What zones can Weeping Podocarpus grow in?

Weeping Podocarpus is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Weeping Podocarpus deer resistant?

Yes — Weeping Podocarpus is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

Does Weeping Podocarpus need full sun?

Weeping Podocarpus does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Weeping Podocarpus drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Weeping Podocarpus handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.