Podocarpus x 'Chocolate Box' is a new variety of hybrid podocarpus with lovely deep chocolate coloured foliage in winter after the first hard frosts, dark reddish-green rest of the year. Forms a small rounded bush. Height 45cm x Spread 60cm (18in x 2ft) 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 having 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 dome-shaped mound, they can also be easily trimmed to shape (much as you would trim yew), best carried out in spring for maximum foliage effect.

Available for delivery in the following locations:

United Kingdom (England, Wales, Mainland Scotland, Scottish Islands, Scottish Highlands, Isle of Wight, Northern Ireland, Isles of Scilly)