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Podocarpus lawrencei (Mountain Plum Pine)
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Coniferous Shrubs

Podocarpus lawrencei

Mountain Plum Pine

Podocarpaceae
Subalpine and alpine southeastern Australia — Victoria and New South Wales; 3,300-7,200 feet (1,000-2,200 m)

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At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-4 feet (0.3-1.2 m)
Width3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 m)
Maturity12 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 9
Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Podocarpus lawrencei is mountain plum pine (alpine podocarp), a low spreading evergreen coniferous shrub growing 1-4 feet (0.3-1.2 m) tall and 3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 m) wide. Dark green linear leaves 0.3-0.6 inch (8-15 mm) densely arranged on short spreading branches. In Podocarpaceae. Podocarpus = foot fruit. A Southern Hemisphere conifer. The hardiest Podocarpus species (zone 7). Dioecious — female plants produce a single seed on a fleshy red to purple receptacle. Native to subalpine southeastern Australia at 3,300-7,200 feet (1,000-2,200 m). Drought-tolerant. Acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.5). The limited cold hardiness (zone 7) restricts northern use. Very slow growth rate. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 7-9. Part shade to full sun or full shade. Growth rate is very slow.

Native Range

Native to subalpine and alpine southeastern Australia — Victoria and New South Wales. Found at 3,300-7,200 feet (1,000-2,200 m).

Suggested Uses

Grown as a low spreading evergreen ground-cover conifer, rock garden, and in containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L), spaced 3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 m). Southern Hemisphere conifer. Non-toxic. Zones 7-9.

How to Identify

Identified by a low spreading form with dark green linear leaves 0.3-0.6 inch (8-15 mm) densely arranged on spreading branches and fleshy red to purple receptacles on female plants. Distinguished from other Podocarpus by the dwarf alpine habit and small leaves. In Podocarpaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 4'
Width/Spread3' - 8'

Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Not applicable — conifer. Dioecious. Male pollen cones small, yellowish, at leaf axils. Female plants produce a single seed on a fleshy red to purple receptacle 0.3 inch (8 mm), ripening in fall (September-October).

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Dark green above, paler below, linear to oblong, 0.3-0.6 inch (8-15 mm), densely arranged on short spreading branches; fine-textured evergreen foliage

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full SunPartial ShadeFull Shade
Requires 2-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-15 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Part shade to full sun or full shade (2-8 hours). Well-drained acidic soil pH 5.0-6.5. Drought-tolerant once established. The hardiest Podocarpus (zone 7). Dioecious — both sexes needed for fruit. No pruning needed. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 7-9.

Pruning

No pruning needed. The natural low spreading form develops without intervention. Remove dead or damaged branches only.

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic