Yew Podocarpus
Best evergreen choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance privacy screens and hedges.
The Yew Podocarpus from Monrovia is a slow-growing evergreen tree, perfect for adding year-round greenery to your landscape. Its dense, upright habit and foliage that readily accepts shearing make it ideal for formal hedges, privacy screens, or even intricate topiary. This low-maintenance tree thrives in full to partial sun and is suitable for large containers, offering versatility for various garden designs. It matures to a substantial size, providing a beautiful and functional accent that is easy to manage.
$69.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1014
/ 2693
#1014 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
+60%
Above average
Brand
Monrovia Growers
/ Monrovia Growers
Who it's for
- Homeowners seeking elegant, year-round privacy and formal garden structure
- Gardeners who enjoy shaping hedges, topiaries, and precise architectural forms
- Landscapers working with shaded areas or varying light conditions
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners wanting an instant, mature privacy screen
- Gardeners in colder climates outside of USDA zones 8-10
- Gardeners dealing with heavy clay or poorly draining soil
Performance breakdown
Topiary Versatility
Dense foliage responds exceptionally well to precise shearing and shaping.
Maintenance Ease
Slow growth rate significantly reduces the frequency of necessary pruning.
Privacy Screening
Upright branching habit creates a thick, effective natural wall.
Container Adaptability
Thrives in large pots, making it perfect for patio accents.
Pest Resistance
Natural deer resistance keeps your landscape looking pristine without extra effort.
Year-Round Aesthetics
Evergreen foliage provides consistent, lush color through every season.
Key Specs
Brand
Monrovia Growers
Mature Height
20 ft
Mature Width
8 ft
Light Requirement
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Water Needs
Moderate
Foliage Color
Green
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
USDA Hardiness Zone
7
Features
- Dense, upright branching habit
- Foliage takes well to shearing
- Low maintenance requirement
- Versatile for screens and hedges
- Suitable for large containers
- Evergreen foliage year-round
- Slow-growing for easy management
- Deer resistant
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Monrovia Yew Podocarpus upon arrival. Reviewers frequently note the plants arrive robust, well packaged, and ready to thrive, establishing quickly even in challenging conditions. This reliability is a major selling point, confirming its status as a dependable evergreen for screening and structure. While the initial investment is higher, the vigorous growth and low maintenance requirements justify the cost for most buyers seeking long term landscape solutions.
Know before you buy
Because it is a slow-growing evergreen, you typically only need to prune it once or twice a year to maintain a crisp, formal shape. Its dense habit makes it very forgiving if you prefer a clean, sheared look for hedges or topiary.
Yes, it is well-suited for large containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage. Keep in mind that container-grown plants may require more frequent watering than those planted directly in the ground.
The Yew Podocarpus is hardy to USDA Zone 7. If you live in a region with colder winters, it is best to keep it in a container so you can move it to a protected area during freezing temperatures.
Yes, this plant is generally avoided by deer, making it a reliable choice for landscapes where wildlife pressure is a concern. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, it is rarely a target for browsing.
To create a dense, continuous hedge, space the plants approximately 3 to 4 feet apart. This allows them to grow together into a solid screen while still providing enough airflow for healthy development.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$70