🌿 Podocarpus (Japanese Yew)

Podocarpus macrophyllus

Podocarpus is a versatile evergreen shrub or small tree, prized in Florida landscapes for its dense, upright growth and polished appearance. Often used as a privacy hedge or living fence, it thrives in Central Florida’s heat and humidity with very little fuss. Its soft, needle-like leaves and adaptability to shaping make it a landscape classic.

🌸 Foliage & Form

• Foliage: Soft, narrow, dark green leaves with a smooth, refined texture

• Form: Dense, upright, and columnar; easily pruned into hedges or left natural

• Habit: Evergreen with year-round color and structure

🌱 Plant Details

• Type: Evergreen shrub/small tree

• Mature Size: 15–20 ft. tall × 6–8 ft. wide (can be clipped smaller)

• Growth Habit: Upright, columnar; forms dense hedges with close planting

• Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Well-drained; adapts to sandy Florida soils

• Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 8–11

• Maintenance: Low; responds well to pruning for size and shape

🌟 Why We Love It

• Excellent privacy hedge or “green wall”

• Low maintenance and pest resistant

• Drought tolerant once established

• Adapts to formal, clipped styles or natural growth

🌼 Landscape Uses

• Tall privacy hedge or living fence

• Foundation planting or backdrop for colorful beds

• Around pools and patios for evergreen structure

• Accent columns at entries or driveways

⚠️ Plant Notes

• For a formal hedge, trim lightly 2–3× per year; keep the top slightly narrower than the base

• Space plants 3–5 feet apart for best coverage

• Fertilize 2–3× yearly with slow-release balanced fertilizer

✅ Level To Leaf Tip: Podocarpus shines as a living privacy screen. Plant in a row along property lines or patios, and you’ll have a clean, evergreen hedge that looks great all year without the headaches of fencing.