Phyllocladus trichomanoides var. alpinus

RHS Plant Profile
alpine celery pine
alpine celery pine John Fielding

Synonyms

Phyllocladus aspleniifolius var. alpinus
Phyllocladus alpinus

Shrubs Trees Conifers

A slow-growing, upright, evergreen conifer, forming a large shrub or small, bushy tree to about 7m. The foliage consists of oval or diamond shaped, sometimes lobed, phylloclades - flattened stems replacing the true leaves which are reduced to scales. Foliage colour is very variable on different plants, from deep green or rich blue-grey to pale blue-green or yellowy-olive. Male cones resemble short, purplish-pink catkins, and female cones have fleshy red scales enclosing a white sheath which splits to reveal one or more black seeds

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

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
A small genus of evergreen conifer trees or shrubs known as 'celery pines' mainly found in New Zealand, Tasmania and the Southern Hemisphere. This genus has two types of leaf; scale-like, non-functioning ones and flattened ones which look like celery leaves. Bright pinkish-red cones appear in early spring
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
New Zealand

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free