Podocarpus nivalis 'Kilworth Cream' (m/v)

RHS Plant Profile
mountain totara 'Kilworth Cream'
Award of Garden Merit
Conifers Shrubs Alpine Rockery

A slow-growing dwarf conifer to around 60cm high, with a branching habit and dense foliage of small green yew-like leaves with cream-coloured margins. New leaves are tinted pink when young

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Podocarpaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Tolerates a range of conditions, but prefers humus-rich, well drained soil, in full sun or light, open shade

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

No pruning required, though may be shaped or trimmed as low hedging if desired

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free