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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.8 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Buddhist Pine is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. 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 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. Overall it is low maintenance.
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 a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Buddhist 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.
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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.