Podocarpus Costalis

Description

Podocarpus Costalis, also known as the Chinese Podocarpus, is a slow-growing shrub native to southern China. It belongs to the Podocarpaceae family and is popularly grown as a landscaping plant due to its year-round green foliage and dense growth habit. The shrub has a narrow, upright form that can reach up to 20 feet in height and 10 feet in width.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The leaves of Podocarpus Costalis are needle-like, about 1 inch in length, and arranged in whorls of 4-6 on the stem. The foliage ranges from dark green to bluish-green and is glossy and leathery in texture. The bark is gray-brown and smooth with a slightly rough texture. The shrub produces inconspicuous flowers that are followed by small, fleshy, purple fruits that are edible but not commonly consumed.

Care Guide

Podocarpus Costalis is a low-maintenance shrub that is easy to care for. Here are some tips:

• Water: Water the shrub once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in winter. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
• Fertilization: Feed the shrub with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can damage the roots.
• Soil: The shrub prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. Amend heavy clay soil with compost to improve drainage.
• Sunlight: Plant the shrub in a location that receives partial to full sun. Too much shade can result in sparse foliage.
• Hardiness Zones: The shrub is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Podocarpus Costalis is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The shrub can also be affected by root rot if the soil is too wet or poorly drained.

Habitat

Podocarpus Costalis is native to the southern regions of China, including Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Yunnan. It grows in a variety of habitats such as forests, mountainsides, and riverbanks.

Question and Answer

Q: How often should I prune my Podocarpus Costalis?
A: Prune the shrub in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and shape the shrub as desired.

Q: Can I grow Podocarpus Costalis in a container?
A: Yes, the shrub can be grown in a container as long as it is provided with well-draining soil, regular watering, and occasional fertilization.

Q: Does Podocarpus Costalis attract wildlife?
A: The shrub’s fruits are attractive to birds and other wildlife, which aid in seed dispersal.

Q: How fast does Podocarpus Costalis grow?
A: The shrub is a slow grower, typically growing 6-8 inches per year.

Related Plants

• Podocarpus Macrophyllus
• Podocarpus Gracilior
• Podocarpus Henkelii
• Podocarpus Elatus

References

• Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Podocarpus Costalis. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b745
• University of Florida IFAS Extension. (2021). Podocarpus Costalis. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP140
• Wikipedia. (2021). Podocarpus Costalis. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podocarpus_costalis