We have long had a love affair with the conifer genus, Podocarpus. Of the 116 currently recognized species, many are much too tropical for our long, cold winters. We have trialed 23 species here at JLBG, and so far have found only 8 that will survive in our climate. The most unusual, and least-known of those we’ve grown, is the Argentine/Bolivian native, Podocarpus parlatorei, which occurs from 3,500′ to 10,000′ elevation. In the wild it is threatened, due to overharvesting, which hopefully has been addressed. In the wild, these can reach 60′ tall, but our plants have a way to grow, before they attain those proportions. This species was named to honor Italian botanist, Filippo Parlatore (1833–1877).
Such a beauty in this gray time of year!!!
I have been thinking of fiddling with P. nivalis, the snow Podocarpus, is that one on your list
I have been able to grow Podocarpus: parlatorei, chingianus, macrophylla (Roman Candle, Okina, Akame, Royal Flush, Gold Crown and Maki), lawrencei x nivalis, salignus and matudae in my zone 8a garden near Charlotte. I also grow Podocarpus smithii and henkelii but both need to come into the greenhouse in colder months.
Thrilled to see that you’ve had success with P. matudae. We’re 0 for 3 with it.