shrub

Yew Plum Pine

Podocarpus macrophyllus

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

180 inches

Width

144 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

Very long-lived evergreen

Native To

Japan, China

Toxicity

Seeds are toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Podocarpus macrophyllus is a slow-growing, dense, evergreen conifer with long, flat, needle-like leaves arranged spirally on stiff, symmetrical branches. This plant is exceptionally tolerant of heat, deep shade, and salt spray, making it a versatile choice for difficult urban and coastal sites. It can be pruned heavily into formal shapes.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Its fine-textured, dark green foliage provides an elegant, lush backdrop in gardens. The plant's tolerance for heavy pruning allows it to be shaped into formal hedges, topiaries, or even espaliers.

It is an incredibly versatile landscape plant, functioning as a dense privacy screen, a formal hedge, a foundation plant, or a container specimen. Its tolerance for shade makes it invaluable for dark corners of the garden.

Female plants produce fleshy, purple, edible receptacles (the 'plum') at the base of the seeds, which are attractive to birds and other wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in sun or shade with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as 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 original soil.
Water deeply to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

For the densest hedge, shear new growth lightly two to three times during the growing season rather than one hard pruning.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly until the plant is well-established.
Prune to shape as desired; it tolerates heavy shearing.
Plant in a location protected from harsh winter winds in colder zones.
Provide good drainage.

Don't

Do not let the soil become waterlogged.
Avoid planting in areas with poor air circulation in humid climates.
Don't worry about deer; they typically avoid this plant.
Avoid planting where the toxic seeds could be ingested by children or pets.

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

Versatile and durable screening hedgeElegant foundation plant for shady spotsTough, architectural container specimen

Companion Plants

Liriope muscari Aspidistra elatior Agapanthus africanus Trachelospermum jasminoides Fatsia japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Yew Plum Pine questions

What zones can Yew Plum Pine grow in?

Yew Plum Pine is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Yew Plum Pine deer resistant?

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

When does Yew Plum Pine bloom?

Yew Plum Pine typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Yew Plum Pine need full sun?

Yew Plum Pine does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Yew Plum Pine drought tolerant?

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