Yellowwood Podocarpus 'County Park Fire' (PBR) (f)
ABOUT
Podocarpus 'County Park Fire', also known as the yew pine, is a visually striking plant. It features a combination of foliage colors that provide year-round interest. The leaves on this evergreen conifer are needle-like, presenting a soft, slender, and pliable texture. The young foliage emerges with a vibrant, fiery red or pinkish hue that gradually matures into a deep green as the seasons transition, maintaining this deeper tone at the core of the plant. Contrasting the green mature leaves, the new growth continues to flash its reddish-pink colors, offering a beautiful display that seems to flicker like flames—hence the name 'County Park Fire'. This lively contrast gives the yew pine an overall variegated appearance, making it a standout choice for adding color to a garden without using flowers. Due to the color transformation from the radiant new growth to the more sedate mature foliage, the plant exhibits a multi-tonal effect that changes with the plant's age and the time of year. The texture and coloring of yew pine make it a popular choice for ornamental purposes in various landscape designs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Podocarpaceae.
Synonyms
County Park Fire Podocarpus, Fire Podocarpus, African Yellowwood.
Common names
Podocarpus 'County Park Fire' (PBR) (f).
ToxicityTo humans
Yew Pine, commonly known as Japanese Yew or Buddhist Pine, has parts that are considered toxic to humans if ingested. Although Podocarpus species are not usually highly toxic, some species in the Podocarpus genus may contain alkaloids or other compounds that can cause symptoms if ingested. Symptoms may include gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In general, it is advisable to avoid ingesting any part of ornamental plants because of the potential risks involved, and keep them out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest them.
To pets
Yew Pine, commonly known as Japanese Yew or Buddhist Pine, can be toxic to pets if parts of the plant, especially the seeds, are ingested. While toxicity can vary within the Podocarpus genus, it's important to be cautious with plants around pets. Symptoms of poisoning might include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In more severe cases, ingestion could potentially lead to more serious effects such as tremors, seizures, or even fatal consequences. Pet owners should monitor their animals and prevent access to these plants to ensure their safety.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The vibrant foliage of County Park Fire adds color and texture to gardens with its fiery red and bronze new growth that matures to a lush green.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, County Park Fire is easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and able to tolerate a range of soil conditions.
- Drought Tolerance: It is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in areas with lower water availability.
- Privacy Screen: Its dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for hedges or privacy screens in landscaping designs.
- Habitat Creation: The plant can provide shelter and food for local bird species, contributing to the local ecosystem.
- Versatility: It can be grown in containers or in the ground, making it a versatile option for different gardening situations.
- Longevity: County Park Fire is known for its longevity, offering a long-term planting option for gardeners and landscapers.
- Seasonal Interest: As an evergreen, it provides year-round interest, helping to maintain a green landscape even in winter months.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Privacy Screens: Podocarpus can be grown closely together to form dense living fences or privacy screens in a garden or backyard setting.
- Topiary Art: The plant has a dense growth habit that makes it suitable for topiary, allowing gardeners to create interesting shapes and designs.
- Sound Barrier: When planted in a row along a busy street, Podocarpus can help reduce noise pollution due to its dense foliage.
- Windbreak: It can be used as a windbreak to protect other plants in the garden, as it can withstand strong winds when mature.
- Bonsai: Because of its evergreen nature and ability to tolerate pruning, it can be cultivated as a bonsai for indoor or outdoor decoration.
- Creative Planting: Creative gardeners can plant Podocarpus in patterns or designs, such as in a checkerboard or spiral layout, for ornamental impact.
- Erosion Control: The plant’s root system can help stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion in hilly or uneven areas of a landscape.
- Theme Gardens: Podocarpus can be used in oriental or Japanese themed gardens due to its similarity to some traditional Asian plant species.
- Festive Decor: During the holidays, Podocarpus can be decorated with lights and ornaments to serve as a living Christmas or festive tree.
- Backdrops for Photography: The lush, colorful foliage of 'County Park Fire' can be used as a natural backdrop for outdoor photography sessions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiPodocarpus, also known as Buddhist Pine, can be used in Feng Shui to create a sense of calm and tranquility, and is often placed in the wealth area (southeast) or grown near the entrance to attract positive energy. Its evergreen nature symbolizes everlasting growth.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityPodocarpus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Podocarpus plants, generally known as "yew pines," are evergreen conifers that can live for many years, symbolizing long life and endurance.
- Peace: The tranquil and slow-growing nature of the yew pine reflects a symbol of peace and tranquility.
- Resilience: Yew pines are hardy and can grow under various conditions, symbolizing resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, evergreen plants like the yew pine are considered symbols of prosperity and wealth due to their year-round lush appearance.
WaterThe Yew Pine should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually once every 7 to 10 days, depending on the environmental conditions. Water thoroughly until water runs out of the bottom of the pot, ensuring the roots are well-saturated. Use approximately half a gallon for a medium-sized plant but adjust according to the size of the plant and the pot. During the winter months, reduce watering to every 10 to 14 days as the plant's growth slows down. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to let the soil dry slightly between watering sessions.
LightThe Yew Pine thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight and should be placed in a location that receives dappled light for most of the day. It can tolerate some direct morning sunlight but should be shielded from harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage. A spot near an east-facing or north-facing window is often ideal, providing the gentle light this plant prefers.
TemperatureYew Pines prefer a temperature range between 60°F to 75°F and should be protected from temperatures below 50°F. They can tolerate short periods of colder weather, but prolonged exposure can harm or kill the plant. This plant does well in typical indoor temperatures found in homes and offices, avoiding drafts, sudden temperature changes, or direct heat sources.
PruningPruning the Yew Pine is primarily done to maintain its shape and to remove any dead or diseased branches. It is best to prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light trimming can be done throughout the growing season to promote bushier growth. Significant pruning should be infrequent, as the Yew Pine responds slowly to severe cutting back.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Fern Pine (Podocarpus 'County Park Fire') is well-draining, with ample organic matter, such as peat or pine bark mixed with perlite or coarse sand. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingFern Pines should generally be repotted every 2-3 years to ensure they are in fresh, nutrient-rich soil.
Humidity & MistingFern Pine thrives at medium to high humidity levels, ideally ranging from 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade, shelter from harsh sun and winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Podocarpus 'County Park Fire', commonly known as the Yew Pine or Buddhist Pine, begins with seed germination, which requires a warm, humid environment to sprout. The seedling stage follows, where the young plant develops its root system and initial foliage, tolerant of a range of light conditions but preferring partial shade. As it enters the juvenile stage, it starts to form a woody stem and exhibits more of the characteristic foliage that is prized for ornamental purposes, with leaves turning from green to an attractive reddish hue. The maturity stage is reached after several years, where the plant can be expected to start producing cones―the males releasing pollen and the females developing into fleshy, berry-like fruit, each containing a seed. This slow-growing conifer can be long-lived, entering a phase of stable maturity with minimal maintenance needs aside from occasional pruning for shape and size control. In its final stage, the Yew Pine will eventually senesce and die, potentially leaving behind seeds to start the life cycle anew if conditions permit.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Podocarpus 'County Park Fire' is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This typically takes place in the late summer when the current year's growth has begun to harden. A cutting is taken from a healthy plant, usually about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, making sure at least two sets of leaves are on the cutting. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often treated with rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful root development. The cuttings are then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix and kept in a humid environment with indirect light. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and within a few weeks to a few months, the cuttings should start to develop roots and can be transplanted to their final location.
