Podocarpus macrophyllus

RHS Plant Profile
kusamaki

Other common names

罗汉松 (luó hàn sōng), bigleaf podocarp, Japanese yew

Conifers Shrubs Trees

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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