Podocarpus nivalis

RHS Plant Profile

mountain totara

Other common names

alpine totara

Conifers Shrubs

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A rounded, wide, dense evergreen conifer with robust, narrow dark green leaves. Can be variable in height, but never more that of 2m (6ft). Red fruits 6mm (¼ in) long, are borne on female plants

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height: 1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): 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: New Zealand

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in rich, moist soil that contains plenty of organic matter. Enjoys shelter from drying, cold winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed as soon as ripe. Sow in spring in an open frame. Germination can take up to 18 months. Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings from upright shoots in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
Cottage and informal garden
Low Maintenance
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free