Plant Lust
ShopOrderSellblog
0

  • Plant types

  • Plant styles

  • Planting conditions

  • Seasonal interest

  • Nurseries & Gardens

    • Photo of Podocarpus nivalis foliage by Meneerke bloem

    Photo by Meneerke bloem

    This work has been released into the public domain by its author.

    Show all photos

    Podocarpus nivalis

    Also Known As

    • Alpine ToTara

    Plant type

    shrub, conifer, groundcover

    size

    • H: 2'-3'
    • W: 6"

    planting zones

    • 7a-10b

    More Options

    Podocarpus nivalis plant details

    Podocarpus nivalis is an evergreen groundcover conifer shrub with green foliage. and red fruit. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Podocarpus nivalis

    Plant type: groundcover conifer shrub
    Plant family: podocarpaceae
    Foliage: evergreen green
    Mature size: 6 IN wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
    Uses: border plant, container plant, rock garden, winter interest, year round interest

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Podocarpus nivalis

    USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
    Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
    Watering frequency: regular
    Resistant to: verticillium wilt
    Soil needs: average and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    From the mountain slopes of New Zealand, this excellent mounding groundcover with its dense leathery olive-green needles can form a carpet 6-8' across; one of the hardiest species. S/M

    By: Forestfarm

    Great foliage; perfect for the rock garden.

    By: Bloom River Gardens

    The hardiest of the podocarps, this alpine ‘totara’ from the mountains of New Zealand’s south island is very much at home in the Pacific Northwest. A small shrub, to 6 ft or so, with dense foliage that shows off bronze highlights in winter. Place out of blazing sun. Cold hardy in USDA zone 7.

    By: Cistus Nursery

    A low growing species from the mountains of New Zealand, it is surprisingly hardy, with yew like foliage and berries, unlike many Podocarpus species this will tolerate alkaline soils.

    By: Arrowhead Alpines

    Native to New Zealand. Excellent mounding ground cover, and one of the hardiest species, with dense leathery olive-green needles. Eventually a carpet up to 6' across. Similar to P. alpinus.

    By: The Bovees Nursery

    Gardening facts about Podocarpus nivalis plant

    How to Grow Podocarpus nivalis

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun - mostly sun

    • Water Needs

      • regular - drought tolerant

    • Soil Needs

      • average
      • well-drained

    • Special Situation

      • verticillium wilt resistant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Fruit

      • red

    • Foliage Season

      • evergreen

    See other plant types of Podocarpus for your garden

    Podocarpus henkelii

    aka African Pine, Henkel's Yellowwood, Long Leafed Yellowwood Pine, Yellowwood Pine

    Plant Type

    Tree, Conifer

    Zones

    9a-11

    Size

    Height: 25'-40'

    Width: 15'-25'

    • sun
    • regular
    Photo of Podocarpus henkelii foliage by Karl Gercens III
    View Plant

    Podocarpus matudae

    aka Podocarpus matudae var. reichii

    Plant Type

    Shrub, Conifer

    Zones

    7a-10b

    Size

    Height: 12'-20'

    Width: 6'-13'

    • sun - dappled shade
    • even moisture
    Photo of Podocarpus matudae flower by J.G. in SF
    View Plant

    Afrocarpus falcatus [UCSC95.340]

    aka Decussocarpus falcatus, Nageia falcata, Podocarpus falcatus [UCSC95.340], Taxus falcata, False Yellowwood, Outeniqua Yellowwood, Sickle-leaved Yellowwood

    Plant Type

    Tree, Conifer

    Zones

    8a-11

    Size

    Height: 30'-80'

    Width: 15'-50'

    • sun - dappled shade
    • regular - drought tolerant
    Photo of Afrocarpus falcatus [UCSC95.340] form by Abu Shawka
    View Plant

    More Options

    Podocarpus 'County Park Fire'

    aka Podocarpus alpinus 'County Park Fire', Alpine Plum Yew

    Plant Type

    Shrub, Conifer

    Zones

    7a-10b

    Size

    Height: 3'-4'

    Width: 3'-5'

    • sun - mostly sun
    • regular - occasional
    Photo of Podocarpus 'County Park Fire' foliage by Far Reaches Farm
    View Plant

    More Options

    Podocarpus lawrencei 'Red Tip'

    aka Podocarpus alpinus 'Red Tip', Alpine Plum Yew, Alpinus Plum Yew, Red Tip Tasmanian Podocarp

    Plant Type

    Shrub, Conifer

    Zones

    7a-11

    Size

    Height: 1'-2'

    Width: 2'-3'

    • sun - mostly sun
    • regular - occasional
    Photo of Podocarpus lawrencei 'Red Tip' foliage by Conifer Kingdom
    View Plant

    More Options

    +34 more Podocarpus
    Mailing List
    Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

    © 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved