Podocarpus alpinus

Common Name: Alpine Totara

Description:
Podocarpus alpinus, commonly known as Alpine Totara, is a hardy, slow-growing evergreen conifer native to New Zealand. It features dense, small, leathery dark green leaves and a naturally low, spreading or mounding habit, making it an excellent choice for ground cover, hedging, or rock gardens. In colder months, the foliage can take on a bronzed or reddish hue, adding seasonal interest. Thriving in well-drained soils, Alpine Totara prefers full sun to part shade and is highly tolerant of frost, wind, and dry conditions once established. This versatile and low-maintenance shrub is well-suited to Melbourne’s climate and is ideal for native or structured garden designs.

Form:

• Shrub - Small
• Ground Cover

Mature Size:

• Height: 50 cm – 1.5 m
• Width: 1–3 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Does not flower (produces small seed cones)

Flower Colour:

• N/A

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Hedging
• Suitable for Ground Cover
• Drought Tolerant (once established)
• Cold Hardy
• Wind Tolerant
• Low Maintenance

Toxicity:

• Non-toxic to humans
• Non-toxic to pets

Companion Plants:

• Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax)
• Corokia cotoneaster (Wire Netting Bush)
• Olearia paniculata (Golden Akeake)
• Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)
• Pittosporum tenuifolium (Kohuhu)