Podocarpus at Wairere Nursery

Podocarpus

The genus of Podocarpus consists of about 100 species of evergreen, coniferous trees and shrubs. They have dark green, leathery, elongated leaves, or, as in the well-loved Totara, smaller, needle-like, olive green to yellow leaves. They make excellent specimen trees for gardens that have the space to show them off to best effect, or shrubby borders or hedging plants. Commercially they are highly valued for their timber which is used extensively in Maori carvings.

Podocarpus is a characteristic tree of the Antarctic flora, which originated in the cool, moist climate of southern Gondwana, and elements of the flora survive in the humid temperate regions of the former supercontinent. As the continents drifted north and became drier and hotter, Podocarps and other members of the Antarctic flora generally retreated to humid regions, especially in Australia and New Zealand. The Podocarpus species that we stock prefer a well-drained soil in a sunny position, with some protection from cold winds. They need moisture whilst young but once established they will tolerate dry periods. Podocarpus totara, the most widely grown species in New Zealand is a long-lived, slow growing tree that has a dense, rounded crown, giant trunk and grows to 8 – 10m under cultivation. Podocarpus henkelii is a South African beauty which is highly prized for its exquisite 'yellow wood'. The name is synonymous with strength and durability due to the fact that it can reach a great age and size - in the forest setting it can reach 30m. The Golden Totara (Podocarpus aurea) is a smaller, slower growing tree, very well suited to hedging, which has leaves that become a lovely golden yellow as they age.

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7 LISTINGS FOR PODOCARPUS

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Podocarpus Ardmore Green

Native. Grows into a handsom pyramidal shaped tree. This Totara is a striking deep green leaf form of the common green totara but with a slightly wider leaf. Excellent as a specimenh tree or for hedging. Plant is well drained soil, tolerates drought. Hardy Evergreen.

Podocarpus Ardmore Green

Expected Stock Height: 70/90 cm ?

Currently sold out. Add to your waitlist to be advised when next in stock.

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Podocarpus Macrophyllus

aka Buddhist Pine or Yew Pine

From the mountains of Japan and China comes this unusual, cold tolerant conifer. The leaves are long, thick and dark green and the growth is slow and upright. Popular in Japanese temple gardens. Responds well to trimming and is often used for hedges or bonsai. Tough, hardy and evergreen.

Habit: Upright
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size 7-10 yrs (HxW): 4m x 3m

Podocarpus Macrophyllus

Expected Stock Height: 140/150 cm ?

New stock expected Beginning of August, 2025. Waitlist now. Estimated price $89.99. Payment on order.

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Podocarpus Makii

aka Fern Pine

A slow growing dense shrub to small tree with an upright habit. Almost vertical,tight branching habit with deep green strap like foliage. Prefers sun to part shade and requires good drainage. Beautiful as a specimen tree or planted to make an impressive hedge.

Will grow 2m in 5 years. Full mature height 4m.

Habit: Upright
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size 7-10 yrs (HxW): 4m x 2m

Podocarpus Makii

Expected Stock Height: 140/150 cm ?

Currently sold out. Add to your waitlist to be advised when next in stock.

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Podocarpus Matapouri Blue

aka Totara

A very attractive form of our native Totara with blue-grey needles of foliage and attractive bark. Good as a specimen in the landscape or can be trimmed to form a dense hedge. Worthy of planting and very hardy and easy to grow. Evergreen

Habit: Upright
Leaves: Evergreen, Blue
Mature Size 7-10 yrs (HxW): 6m x 4m

Podocarpus T Matapouri Blue

Current Stock Height: 60/80 cm ?

Container: 4l ?

$29.99

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Podocarpus Nivalis

aka Mountain Totara

Native. A trouble free, easy care shrub that will grow almost anywhere. The drooping, arching branches have rigid, leathery foliage in shades of yellow-green. The tips of the branches will often root where they touch the ground therefore spreading on and stabilizing difficult sites.Evergreen.

Habit: Arching
Leaves: Evergreen, Variegated
Mature Size 7-10 yrs (HxW): 50cm x 100cm

Podocarpus Nivalis

Current Stock Height: 15/20 cm ?

Container: 1.5l ?

$19.99

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Podocarpus Totara

aka Totara

Whilst this evergreen native tree will eventually reach 30m it won't happen in your life time as it is very slow growing. A highly valued native with a special place in Maori history. Dense, bronze green, stiff narrow leaves adorn a handsome pyramidal tree. Estimated height after 10 years.

Habit: Upright
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size 7-10 yrs (HxW): 6m x 4m

Podocarpus Totara

Current Stock Height: 70/80 cm ?

Container: 3.3l ?

$34.99

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Podocarpus Totara Aurea

aka Golden Totara

Native. A handsome specimen tree for sun or part shade. The stiff narrow leaves are a beautiful golden shade and complement the reddish brown bark. Slow growing, hardy and tolerant of all conditions except wet 'feet'. Height given is 10 year estimate. Evergreen.

Totara were a valuable timer source in early NZ. Maori also used large specimens to craft their war canoes. The peeling bark was used for roofing material and for fashioning food baskets.

Habit: Upright
Leaves: Evergreen, Light
Mature Size 7-10 yrs (HxW): 6m x 4m

Podocarpus Totara Aurea

Current Stock Height: 70/80 cm ?

Container: 4l ?

$29.99

Stock of this item is very low.

Podocarpus Totara Aurea

Expected Stock Height: 170/180 cm ?

New stock expected Beginning of August, 2025. Waitlist now. Estimated price $99.99. Payment on order.

7 LISTINGS FOR PODOCARPUS

PAGE 1 ALL

HL Nurseries Limited t/a Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, R D 1, Hamilton 3281 Ph: (07) 824 3430 Email: