Podocarpus totara 'Matapouri Blue'

An evergreen tree with an upright pyramidal habit. Grows up to 4m tall and wide.

Spring foliage is lime green and blue-grey year round.

Prefers full sun and rich soil but will grow in most conditions and is frost hardy.

Always choose healthy well grown plants and plant after autumn rains when the soil is moist and warm allows trees to become established before winter. This enables them to withstand dry periods during the following summer. Planting success is often improved on clay soils by adding extra topsoil, coarse sand, bark, peat, compost or other organic material and by forming raised beds. Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins.

For a hedge plant small grade plants as they establish much quicker than larger ones. Plant hedging plants approximately 60cm apart and stake if necessary. They can also be pruned to shape from an early stage and planting a double staggered row of hedging plants will result in a denser screen. Another tip is to plant at an angle to induce more lateral growth which will also have a similar effect.

If staking is required, use wide ties that hold securely without chafing. Tie firmly but allow room for the trunk to increase in girth without constriction. This allows the plant to move a little in the wind encouraging the development of a strong root system without the risk of chafing or root damage.

Apply mulch annually as this will conserve moisture and help suppress weeds. Keep mulching material away from plant stems. Check stakes and ties for chafing and constriction and remove as soon as plants are strong enough to withstand winds without damage. Pruning can start in their first year after planting. Except on very fertile soils, an annual light dressing (50g/m2) of general purpose fertiliser in spring is beneficial. Sprinkle evenly and work into the top 2 to 3cm of the soil taking care not to damage surface roots.

The first summer and autumn after planting is critical for young plants; water thoroughly during dry periods. Check stakes and ties for chafing and constriction and remove as soon as plants are strong enough to withstand winds without damage. Regular pruning will turn your blue totara into a dense compact tree. Prune off any dead growth as required. Young hedges should be pruned in their first year after planting to ensure even dense growth when planted in autumn. They should be cut back by half during late spring and trimmed again lightly in late summer. During the second winter (or in early spring) trim moderately to remove half the previous seasons new growth.

Feed hedges at least once a year with a balanced fertiliser ideally in early spring. The more trimming is done the thicker the hedge will become. Hedges should be shaped so they are narrower at the top than the base. This allows more light to reach the hedge sides prevents it from becoming top heavy and unstable and is easier to maintain.

Generally free from any pests and diseases.

Native Plant Ideas