Podocarpus Planting in South Florida:
Planting. Choose a site in full sun to partial shade. There's no need to add soil amendments such as cow manure or peat moss, but the site must be well-drained. A place where water stands for some time after rain Will not be a good place to install you Podocarpus Plants.
Dig the hole 1 1/2 to 2 times wider than the root ball. In fact, when the tree is placed in the ground the root ball should be an inch deeper than the surrounding soil. Water well for the first few weeks until the tree is established. Then keep an eye on the tree. During a drought, the leaves will slightly droop. That's a sure sign the tree needs water.
Fertilizing. Because most owners will shear and shape the tree, it is important to fertilize the tree three times a year to encourage fullness. For each inch of trunk diameter, give one level measuring cup of 6-6-6 fertilizer in early spring, mid-summer and late fall.
Uses. You can show your creativity by using the hedge clippers to shape the tree, whether you choose a globe, a column or a pyramid. Just remember that the top should always be a bit smaller than the bottom so sunlight can reach the lower leaves. When shaping, start when the tree is young. The older the tree, the more difficult it will be.
When the tree is low-growing and small, it readily takes to a large container or tub. In fact, on a deck or brick patio the tree is outstanding.
To use the podocarpus as a hedge, buy them small or large. If you buy podocarpus small, It will take some years, but the beautiful hedge will be worth it.
The podocarpus is an ideal hedge for topiary training, but do not attempt it without experience. Topiary podocarpus can readily be bought and it is easy to maintain. Again, be sure the upper globes are maintained smaller than the lower ones.
Planting. Choose a site in full sun to partial shade. There's no need to add soil amendments such as cow manure or peat moss, but the site must be well-drained. A place where water stands for some time after rain Will not be a good place to install you Podocarpus Plants.
Dig the hole 1 1/2 to 2 times wider than the root ball. In fact, when the tree is placed in the ground the root ball should be an inch deeper than the surrounding soil. Water well for the first few weeks until the tree is established. Then keep an eye on the tree. During a drought, the leaves will slightly droop. That's a sure sign the tree needs water.
Fertilizing. Because most owners will shear and shape the tree, it is important to fertilize the tree three times a year to encourage fullness. For each inch of trunk diameter, give one level measuring cup of 6-6-6 fertilizer in early spring, mid-summer and late fall.
Uses. You can show your creativity by using the hedge clippers to shape the tree, whether you choose a globe, a column or a pyramid. Just remember that the top should always be a bit smaller than the bottom so sunlight can reach the lower leaves. When shaping, start when the tree is young. The older the tree, the more difficult it will be.
When the tree is low-growing and small, it readily takes to a large container or tub. In fact, on a deck or brick patio the tree is outstanding.
To use the podocarpus as a hedge, buy them small or large. If you buy podocarpus small, It will take some years, but the beautiful hedge will be worth it.
The podocarpus is an ideal hedge for topiary training, but do not attempt it without experience. Topiary podocarpus can readily be bought and it is easy to maintain. Again, be sure the upper globes are maintained smaller than the lower ones.