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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 3 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Plum Pine is regular, moderate watering. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Plum Pine with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.