A dense, upright conifer with long, soft, dark-green leaves that clips beautifully into formal hedges, columns and topiary. A versatile and shade-tolerant evergreen for screens and containers.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 6 m H × 3 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Buddhist Pine
Botanically, Podocarpus macrophyllus is a slow-growing shrub in the Podocarpaceae family. It reaches around 6 m tall and 3 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage.
Where to grow Buddhist Pine
Buddhist Pine suits subtropical, warm-temperate and Mediterranean 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
Buddhist Pine does best in free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.8 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Buddhist Pine does best with regular, moderate watering. A light spring feed is usually enough to maintain steady growth. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Buddhist Pine in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Expect a low maintenance care workload once it is established.
Using Buddhist Pine in the garden
Buddhist Pine earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, clipping into topiary and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For easier irrigation and care, group Buddhist Pine with species that also favour regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Buddhist Pine
Plant Sale lists Buddhist Pine as potted plants and advanced specimens. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
