|
Family: Podocarpaceae
Native to: Chile, in moist temperate forest
Dimensions: eventually a tree to 50' with greater spread, but remains shrubby for many years
Cold resistance: hardy to 10°F
Drought resistance: moderate, but grows faster under irrigation
Key Features: soft willow-like foliage, weeping new growth, dense habit, easy care
Uses: large-scale conifer for back of border, screening, tolerates coastal exposure, specimen tree after many years.
Description:
This species from Chile is one of the most exciting conifers for gardeners, and a personal favorite. It resembles one of those soft, weepy, tropical Podocarpus species, but - what's this? It actually likes the Northwest's climate! In the wild it may grow into a tree of 40' or more, but in gardens a size more like 15 - 25' is to be expected: it is probably best thought of as a large, conical or rounded shrub covered in weeping broad "needles" which really suggest angiosperm leaves rather than needles. These are bright green and weeping when they emerge, then mature to a fabulous shade of deep green on rich brown stems, and are about 2" long and up to 1/4" wide. It seems to appreciate a little water in Pacific Northwest summers, though it can usually go without once well established. It is also reported to tolerate the climate of the Southeast US better than a lot of things from Chile. It has been intermittently available from specialty nurseries for a while, but it remains very rare. Hardy to around 10°F in the Northwest, possibly lower in hot climates.
|
