Podocarpus Pringles more versatile than the species

Charles Reynolds
·2 min read

Why install plants with potential heights of 40 to 50 feet to serve as waist or chest-high hedges? That’s been the case for a long time with podocarpus (P. macrophyllus), a Japanese evergreen tree. Of potentially large plants routinely relegated to hedge use, podocarpus tolerates harsh treatment the best. But now that Pringles is available, podocarpus plants no longer have to endure the drastic and frequent pruning once necessary to control their growth. Pringles is a very dwarf variety of the species that tops out at just 3 to5 feet tall.

This slow-growing plant retains all the qualities of the species: Pringles is evergreen, cold hardy, and drought tolerant and has no serious pest problems. In addition, plants thrive in sun or moderate shade. Due to its size, Pringles is vastly more versatile than the species and can be used for hedges, foundation plantings and mixed shrubbery border components. For hedges, set plants — which will usually become wider than tall — about 30 inches apart. It’s best to improve planting sites with organic matter, and to maintain a layer of mulch around the root zone. All Podocarpus are propagated with hardwood cuttings. Plants are available online.

WHAT DOES ENDEMIC MEAN?

I’ve noticed that the words ‘’endemic’’ and ‘’endemism’’ have become increasingly misused. In botany, endemic refers to a species that grows only in one area — say, a single island. ‘’Micro-endemism’’ would describe a species if it were restricted to very few or even to one location on that island.

COOL-SEASON VEGETABLES

December means it’s no use trying to grow warm-season vegetables in your garden. Among sturdy cool-season crops appropriate for planting now are cabbage, endive, leek, collard, onion, radish, kale, cauliflower, English pea, mustard, beet, celery, broccoli and carrot.

COLORFUL CARROTS

Carrots, which are easy to grow and can be started from seed through March, are available in a rainbow of colors, including red, black, yellow, purple, orange and white. Regarding size, they range from 3-inch-long baby varieties like Little Finger, from France, to 2-foot-long kinds such as the Manpukuji, from Japan. These nutritious vegetables require deep, moist and fertile soil. Visit www.RareSeeds.com for seeds of exotic carrots.

Sleeping hibiscus is a plant in the hibiscus family that we grow as an ornamental plant. There are many varieties; each species has different flower shapes and colors.
Sleeping hibiscus is a plant in the hibiscus family that we grow as an ornamental plant. There are many varieties; each species has different flower shapes and colors.

AN OLD-FASHIONED FLOWERING SHRUB

Turk’s cap, aka sleeping hibiscus, is a rambling evergreen shrub from Tropical America that flaunts red, pink or white cool-season flowers. Up to 12 feet tall and wide, Turk’s cap (Malvaviscus penduliflorus) has an open growth habit and arching branches. The cheerful blossoms, though folded like a closed umbrella, are sufficiently abundant to be eye-catching. The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Provide full or part-day sun. Propagate with warm-season cuttings. Available online

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: WEEKEND PLANTINGS