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Podocarpus gracilior
Podocarpus gracilior
Fern Pine
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Why Podocarpus gracilior?
The Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) has earned its reputation as California's most elegant privacy hedge for good reason. This exceptional evergreen creates a dense, feathery barrier with closely set narrow green leaves that transforms your outdoor space into a sophisticated private sanctuary. From the palatial estates of Palo Alto & Beverly Hills to Palm Springs weekend homes, this versatile hedge adorns the most prestigious properties across the state.
Podocarpus gracilior is ideal for both novice and advanced gardeners as it is low maintenance, drought tolerant, and easy to grow. It grows moderately fast, allowing you to quickly create a retreat in your yard or block out less desirable views. As a tree, Fern Pine can reach 50 feet, but as a column the size and shape can easily be maintained with pruning, making it perfect for small gardens or tight spaces.
Quick Planting Guide:
For instant privacy: Plant close enough that leaves almost touch for immediate dense coverage.
Center-to-center Spacing
Center-to-center spacing refers to the distance between the centers of two adjacent plants.
Varieties & Uses
The Podocarpus gracilior is incredibly versatile, with several popular applications:
- Privacy Hedges: Create living walls that block unwanted views and reduce noise
- Property Boundaries: Define your space with a beautiful natural border
- Windbreaks: Protect your property from strong winds and erosion
- Shade Trees: When allowed to grow as single specimens, they provide excellent shade and architectural structure
Why Choose Plants Express
- Professional Delivery: Our own fleet delivers directly to your door
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Customer Support: Knowledgeable staff to answer all your questions
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California Grown: Plants acclimated to local conditions for better success
- Guaranteed Quality: 24-hour money-back guarantee on all plants
PLANTING GUIDE
PLANTING GUIDE
For optimal growth of your Podocarpus gracilior, follow these planting guidelines:
Location: Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade. Ensure adequate space for vertical growth.
Soil: Plant in well-draining, fertile soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-based, amend it with organic matter.
Planting Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
Placement: Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfilling: Fill the hole with soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk.
Temperature & Climate
The Podocarpus gracilior thrives in USDA Zones 9-11, tolerating outdoor temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Being native to eastern Africa, it adapts perfectly to California's Mediterranean climate, with excellent heat and drought tolerance once established. It performs exceptionally well in coastal areas, as it can withstand salt spray and coastal winds, making it ideal for oceanfront properties.
CARE GUIDE
CARE GUIDE
Watering Requirements
Establishment Period: Water regularly during the first year to develop a strong root system
Established Plants: Once established, Podocarpus becomes drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during dry spells
Technique: Deep, thorough watering is preferable to frequent shallow watering
Soil Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to prevent root issues
Fertilization
Feed plants with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth. A second feeding in mid-summer can promote vigorous foliage, especially when grown as a hedge. Avoid excess nitrogen, which can cause excessive vegetative growth at the expense of overall plant health.
Pruning & Maintenance
Podocarpus gracilior responds exceptionally well to trimming, making it excellent for formal hedges or screens. Regular pruning encourages dense, compact growth and maintains the desired shape.
Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to keep plants healthy and looking their best. While it naturally grows as a tree up to 50 feet tall, its size and shape can easily be maintained with pruning or shearing, making it ideal for small gardens or tight spaces.
Take a 30‑Second Tour of Our 25‑Gallon Podocarpus Gracilior
Size Matters: Bigger Hedges, Instant Privacy
When it comes to creating your dream landscape, starting with the right foundation makes all the difference. A robust hedge plant doesn't just look better on day one; it establishes faster, withstands stress better, and creates the privacy and beauty you desire in a fraction of the time.
FAQ'S
How tall will my Podocarpus gracilior get?
In its natural form, Podocarpus gracilior can reach heights of 40-50 feet as a tree. However, when maintained as a hedge or column, the size and shape can easily be controlled with regular pruning or shearing. Most homeowners maintain their Podocarpus hedges between 6-12 feet tall, making it ideal for privacy screens while fitting perfectly in small gardens or tight spaces.
How long before I have privacy?
With proper spacing and larger container sizes, you can achieve immediate privacy. For ongoing privacy development, Podocarpus gracilior grows moderately fast at 1-2 feet per year. A 5-gallon plant will typically provide good privacy coverage within 2-3 years, while 15-gallon and 25-gallon sizes offer more immediate screening. Plant spacing closer together for faster privacy results.
How often should I water my Podocarpus gracilior?
During the establishment period (first 6-12 months), water deeply 2-3 times per week. Once established, Podocarpus gracilior becomes quite drought-tolerant and typically needs watering once weekly during summer months and every 2-3 weeks during cooler seasons. In extreme drought conditions, supplemental water will help maintain its lush, fern-like appearance.
How do I maintain the ideal height and shape of my Podocarpus gracilior?
For a formal hedge appearance, prune Podocarpus 2-3 times per year during the growing season. Use sharp, clean pruning tools and trim the top slightly narrower than the bottom to ensure sunlight reaches all parts. Podocarpus responds exceptionally well to pruning and can be maintained at any desired height, making it perfect for customized privacy screens and formal landscapes.