The Beauty and Benefits of Blue Podocarpus

Blue Podocarpus, also known by its scientific name, Podocarpus Totara, is an evergreen coniferous tree that is native to New Zealand. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful blue-green foliage and easy-to-care-for nature. In this blog post, we will explore the many benefits and uses of the Blue Podocarpus tree.

What is Blue Podocarpus?

The Blue Podocarpus tree is a species of Podocarpus that thrives in temperate climates. It is a relatively slow-growing tree that can reach up to 25 meters in height, but it is often grown as a hedge or shrub, which means it can be easily pruned to the desired size and shape. The tree is characterized by its bluish-green needles, which are arranged spirally on the branches.

Benefits of Blue Podocarpus

There are many benefits of growing Blue Podocarpus, including:

1. Easy to Care For

One of the biggest benefits of Blue Podocarpus is that it is very easy to care for. It does well in both full sun and partial shade, and it is not picky about soil type. It is also drought-resistant once established, which means it can survive periods of low rainfall without needing any extra watering.

2. Ornamental Value

Blue Podocarpus is highly valued for its ornamental beauty. Its blue-green needles add color and texture to any garden, and its naturally dense growth habit makes it an excellent hedge or screen plant. It can also be trained into a topiary or pruned into a formal shape, which makes it very versatile.

3. Wildlife Habitat

Blue Podocarpus trees provide habitat and food for many types of wildlife, including birds, insects, and mammals. The needles and bark are eaten by deer and rabbits, while the seeds are consumed by birds and small mammals. In addition, the tree provides cover for smaller animals and birds.

4. Medicinal Properties

Blue Podocarpus has traditionally been used in Maori medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, colds, and digestive issues. Recent studies have shown that extracts from the tree have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may make them useful in modern medicine.

Growing Blue Podocarpus

If you're interested in growing Blue Podocarpus, here are some tips to help you get ed:

1. Planting

Blue Podocarpus can be grown from seed or propagated from cuttings. It is best planted in spring or autumn, in well-draining soil that has been enriched with compost. It should be watered regularly until established, but after that, it can survive on rainfall alone.

2. Pruning

Blue Podocarpus can be pruned at any time of the year, but it is best in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It responds well to pruning and can be shaped into a hedge, topiary, or formal shape.

3. Pests and Diseases

Blue Podocarpus is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained soil. It may also be attacked by scale insects or spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap.


In Blue Podocarpus is a beautiful and versatile tree that has many benefits for gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for an ornamental plant, a hedge, or a screen, Blue Podocarpus is an excellent choice that is easy to care for and provides year-round interest.

FAQs

1. How tall does Blue Podocarpus grow?

Blue Podocarpus can grow up to 25 meters in height, but it is often grown as a hedge or shrub.

2. Can Blue Podocarpus survive drought?

Yes, Blue Podocarpus is drought-resistant once established, which means it can survive periods of low rainfall without needing any extra watering.

3. Does Blue Podocarpus have any medicinal properties?

Yes, extracts from the Blue Podocarpus tree have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may make them useful in modern medicine.

4. What kind of wildlife does Blue Podocarpus attract?

Blue Podocarpus trees provide habitat and food for many types of wildlife, including birds, insects, and mammals.

5. How do I prune Blue Podocarpus?

Blue Podocarpus can be pruned at any time of the year, but it is best in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It responds well to pruning and can be shaped into a hedge, topiary, or formal shape.