Podocarpus lawrencei ‘Blue Gem’Podocarpus
£13.99
In stock
Overview
Podocarpus alpinus ‘Blue Gem’ is a lovely small conifer from New Zealand forming a low mound or hummock of small dark glaucous blue leaves. Tiny strobili (conifer flowers) lead to small red berries in winter following a warm spring. Height 60cm x Spread 90cm (3ft) approx. in 10 years.
The dwarf podocarpus have their origins in the sub-alpine regions of New Zealand and Tasmania and are superb conifers for the small garden. The distinctive colour palette of their evergreen foliage is invaluable when creating effective planting combinations and colour schemes, mixing well with herbaceous, alpines, shrubs, heathers and other conifers.
They are a lovely subject for the winter garden as their foliage colours intensify in cold weather. Many varieties have the added bonus of lovely bright new foliage tips during spring and summer.
They are suitable for the rock garden, front of border or ground cover and can be used to make a very good low hedge. They are also useful subjects for patio pots, providing they are properly cared for. They are easy to grow in a sheltered position in either full sun or partial shade. They need a well-drained soil, with added humus, with no particular preference for acidic or alkaline conditions. Avoid thin chalky soils.
Growing naturally into a low mound, they can also be easily trimmed to shape (much as you would trim yew), best carried out in spring for maximum foliage effect.
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Conifers can deliver any sized garden with structure, shape and colour to create all year-round interest. They are long lived and available in many shapes, colours and forms and are easy to maintain.
Dwarf and slow-growing varieties are ideal for the smaller garden and are invaluable in a rock garden setting to create shape and structure amongst dwarf shrubs, alpines, heathers and hardy cyclamen. With proper care, they can make good subjects for containers.
Taller growing varieties need plenty of space to develop and are better suited to larger gardens. We state height after 10 years but bear in mind that conifers continue to grow and will generally double in height in another 10 years.
Planting: Conifers prefer an open, sunny spot and a moist but well-drained soil. Add any humus material such as garden compost or spent compost. Watering after planting is essential, especially in spring and summer, and regularly thereafter if dry weather persists. Inadequate watering is the main cause of failure when establishing conifers.
Aftercare: One or two feeds with a slow release fertiliser each year such as bonemeal will maintain growth.
| Availability Date Learn more | All year round |
|---|---|
| Soil Type | Acid, Alkaline, Light sandy, Normal |
| Aspect | Sun, Partial Shade |
| Hardiness Learn more | Hardy |
| Foliage Type | Evergreen |
| Foliage Colour | Green, Silver/grey |
| Height after 10 years* Learn more | 90cm (3ft) |
| Pot Size Learn more | 3 Litre |
| Special Attributes | |
| Uses | Plants for containers, Formal Hedging, Informal Hedging, Low maintenance, Ground cover, Rock Garden |
Growing guide for Conifers
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