Podocarpus is a shrub or tree that is an evergreen conifer that grows in the warmer side of temperate to tropical climates. The most cold hardy Podocarpus can be in some species is to USDA Zone 7. That would be right around the 0°F mark. Even there it may suffer winter damage. While some species can take little to no freezing temps whatsoever. The popular dwarf variety is the "Pringles Dwarf" used as hedges in the deep South. It is hardy to USDA Zone 8 (10°F to 20°F) to 11 (above 40°F). This variety will only mature to 5' tall by 5' wide at maturity, but can be pruned to keep at a smaller desired size. One new exotic and perhaps the only blue podacarpus is the "Icee Blue" variety. This variety is hardy in USDA Zones 9 (20°F to 30°F) to 11 (above 40°F). It is basically the Blue Spruce of the south.
There are lots more varieties, like the weeping variety, and others that can be more like trees. Make sure to check what zone you live in before getting Podocarpus. If you don't live where it can grow, Podocarpus makes fabulous houseplants! They thrive in indirect sunlight, but can adapt to full sun outside. Very water wise and can go almost 2 weeks without water when mature enough as houseplants. When young, they may need watering once every few days. They tolerate dry air/low humidity quite well. They also are amazing as bonsai, very easy to work with, and great for beginners!
NatureMan
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