Podocarpus lawrencei
mountain plum pine
Subalpine and alpine southeastern Australia — Victoria and New South Wales; 3,300-7,200 feet (1,000-2,200 m)
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 spp.. Podocarpus = foot fruit. A Southern Hemisphere conifer. The hardiest Podocarpus spp. 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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 4'
Width/Spread3' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years
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 foliageGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
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 spp. (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.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons