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Plant of the Month
thymus vulgaris flower
thymus vulgaris flower
thymus vulgaris flower
thymus vulgaris flower

Blue Yellowwood

Podocarpus elongatus 'Monmal Blue', commonly known as blue-leaved totara, is a striking evergreen conifer native to New Zealand.
Podocarpus elongatus 'Monmal Blue', commonly known as blue-leaved totara, is a striking evergreen conifer native to New Zealand. It features dense, upright branches adorned with blue-green, needle-like leaves that provide a unique and eye-catching color contrast in the landscape. This slow-growing shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil, making it suitable for hedges, screens, or as a focal point in mixed shrub borders. 'Monmal Blue' is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens or landscapes. With its distinctive foliage and compact growth habit, blue-leaved totara adds texture and visual interest to garden landscapes, providing year-round beauty.

Plant Features

Unique Evergreen Conifer
Podocarpus elongatus ‘Monmal Blue’, commonly known as blue-leaved totara, is a distinctive evergreen conifer that stands out with its blue-green, needle-like leaves. The dense, upright branches of this striking shrub create a unique and eye-catching color contrast in any landscape. Known for its slow growth and compact form, blue-leaved totara not only adds texture but also year-round visual interest to garden settings. This conifer is especially admired for its striking blue foliage and elegant form, which make it a standout choice for adding serenity and a touch of sophistication to gardens.
Minimal maintenance needed
‘Monmal Blue’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires well-draining soil, making it versatile for various landscape uses including as hedges, screens, or as a focal point in mixed shrub borders. It is drought-tolerant once established and demands minimal maintenance, which makes it particularly suitable for low-maintenance gardens or landscapes seeking minimal upkeep. This tree is also ideal for sunny to partially shaded locations and can be effectively used as a specimen tree, hedge, or screen, providing privacy and serving as a formal backdrop in garden designs. Its ability to adapt to a range of growing conditions, including coastal environments and urban pollution, further enhances its appeal for diverse garden settings.
Ideal for Topiary Training
Podocarpus elongatus ‘Monmal Blue’ offers several practical applications beyond its use in landscaping. It can be utilized in topiary or espalier training, where its tolerance to pruning and shaping allows gardeners to add a refined touch to their garden aesthetics. In floral arrangements, the attractive, blue-green foliage serves as an excellent filler or accent, enhancing bouquets or centerpieces with its unique texture and color. Overall, Blue Podocarpus is celebrated for its resilience, versatility, and low-maintenance nature, making it a favored choice for gardeners and landscapers who value both beauty and functionality in their plant selections.
Plant Care
Care Instructions and Tips
Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Full sun promotes the best blue foliage color.
Water regularly until fully established. Once established, it is drought-resistant and requires less frequent watering.
Prefers well-drained soil. Tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including clay, sand, and loam.
Requires little pruning. Shape as desired, but avoid heavy pruning, as this can affect the tree's natural form.
As a conifer, it's grown for its foliage and form rather than flowers, producing inconspicuous reproductive structures.

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