Podocarpus macrophyllus
kusamaki
A hardy, medium to large, slow-growing evergreen tree to a height of around 3m here in the UK, with thin, oblong, dark green foliage and scaly dark brown bark. Fleshy, blue-black rounded fruits appear from March to July. Often used in Japanese gardens and can be pruned to keep its shape and bushy habit
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Black Blue | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Black Blue | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Podocarpaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Podocarpus can be evergreen shrubs or trees, with spirally arranged, but usually 2-ranked, leaves which may be linear or narrowly lanceolate; plum-shaped fleshy fruits are produced only where male and female trees grow together
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Far East
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained soil. Protect from cool, drying winds
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.