Podocarpus totara ‘Matapouri Blue’
Blue Tōtara / Tōtara
Description:
A distinctive New Zealand selection of the native tōtara, prized for its attractive blue-grey to smoky-blue foliage. It has a naturally upright, pyramidal shape when young and develops into a handsome evergreen specimen with age. ‘Matapouri Blue’ is relatively slow growing and responds very well to regular trimming, making it particularly versatile for hedges, screening and topiary. The fresh new growth can appear lighter green before developing its deeper blue-grey colouring.
Height:
4–6 m
Width:
3–4 m
Position:
Full sun to partial shade. Full sun is preferred for the strongest blue-grey foliage colour. It is a hardy selection that tolerates wind and frost and is suitable for a range of New Zealand growing conditions.
Soil:
Well-drained soil with reasonable moisture. It is adaptable to a range of soil types and can tolerate both relatively dry and moist conditions once established, provided the site is not permanently waterlogged.
Uses:
- Feature and specimen tree
- Formal or informal hedging
- Privacy screening
- Windbreaks
- Topiary
- Espalier
- Native gardens
- Contemporary landscapes
- Coastal and exposed planting
- Large containers when young
Care Tips:
- Water regularly while establishing, particularly through dry periods.
- Mulch around the base to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the trunk.
- Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser if required.
- Prune regularly if maintaining as a hedge, screen or topiary.
- Light formative pruning while young can help establish a strong shape.
- Plant in full sun where possible to encourage the best foliage colour.
- Allow sufficient room for the plant to reach its natural size if growing as an untrimmed specimen.
- Avoid permanently waterlogged soil and provide good drainage.
- Once established, it is a hardy and relatively low-maintenance native tree.
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.
