Podocarpus totara
Tōtara
Description:
Magnificent evergreen New Zealand native conifer with a strong, upright growth habit, distinctive fibrous bark and dense, dark green foliage. Tōtara is a long-lived and hardy native tree that can become a substantial specimen over time, making it well suited to larger properties, shelter planting and native landscapes. Its dense foliage also responds well to pruning, allowing it to be maintained as a formal or informal hedge when regularly trimmed. Tōtara produces small fleshy fruits that are attractive to birds and contribute to its value in native and wildlife-friendly gardens.
Height:
20–30m+
Width:
6–10m+
Position:
Full sun to part shade. Performs best in an open position with adequate space to develop. Hardy and adaptable, tolerating wind and a range of New Zealand conditions once established.
Soil:
Prefers fertile, well-drained soil but is adaptable to a range of soil types. It can tolerate heavier soils provided drainage is adequate. Improve poorly drained or compacted soils before planting.
Uses:
- Feature and specimen planting
- Native gardens and landscapes
- Screening and shelter planting
- Large-scale hedging
- Windbreaks
- Wildlife and bird-friendly planting
- Restoration and revegetation projects
Care Tips:
- Water regularly during establishment, particularly through dry periods; established trees are considerably more drought tolerant
- Mulch around the root zone to help retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the trunk
- Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring or autumn if required to encourage healthy growth
- Prune regularly if maintaining as a hedge; tōtara responds well to clipping and can be kept dense and compact with ongoing maintenance
- Remove dead, damaged or unwanted branches as required
- Allow plenty of room for the tree's eventual size when planting as a specimen
- Stake young trees where necessary, particularly in exposed or windy locations
- Best planted in autumn through early winter so roots have time to establish before summer
- Hardy and long-lived, making it a reliable choice for New Zealand landscapes
We have made every effort to display as accurately as possible the grade and quality of the plant in the images.
Plants are subject to availability; there is a slight possibility the plants can be sold before your order is processed. In this instance we can offer a refund or credit and let you know when more plants become available.
