A handsome native conifer with long, glossy dark-green leaves and edible purple-black fleshy fruit used as a bush-tucker flavouring. Tolerant of clipping, it makes a fine native screen, hedge or feature.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 10 m H × 5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Plum Pine
Botanically, Podocarpus elatus is a moderate-growing tree in the Podocarpaceae family, native to New South Wales and Queensland. It reaches around 10 m tall and 5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage.
Where to grow Plum Pine
Plum Pine suits subtropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Plum Pine does best in free-draining and clay soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 3 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Plum Pine does best with regular, moderate watering. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Plum Pine in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Plum Pine in the garden
Plum Pine earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, a feature or specimen planting and a shade tree.
Companion planting & design
Combine Plum Pine with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Plum Pine
Plant Sale lists Plum Pine as potted plants and advanced specimens. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
