5x Alpine Hedge Totara
Podocarpus nivalis × Hybrid
Common Names: Alpine Hedge Tōtara, Hybrid Snow Tōtara
Family: Podocarpaceae
Origin: New Zealand (natural hybrid)
Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub
Overview
The Podocarpus nivalis × Hybrid, commonly known as the Alpine Hedge Tōtara, is a naturally occurring cross of the hardy Snow Tōtara (Podocarpus nivalis). This outstanding evergreen shrub retains the fine, elegant texture of the Tōtara while offering denser foliage and a slightly larger form. Tough yet refined, it excels as a premium low hedge, shelter plant, or background evergreen in exposed and challenging sites.
Key Features
Foliage: Deep green, needle-like leaves forming a dense, lush texture; evergreen all year.
Flowers / Fruit: Inconspicuous; occasional small seed cones typical of Tōtara species.
Form & Habit: Compact, bushy, and symmetrical with a naturally tidy outline.
Growth Rate: Moderate.
Cultural & Ecological Value: Hardy New Zealand native tolerant of frost, wind, and poor soils; ideal for ecological restoration and habitat planting.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.5 m |
| Spread | 1.5 m |
| Form | Compact, rounded shrub |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Water | Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established |
| Soil | Free-draining soils; tolerates sandy or rocky conditions |
| pH Range | Neutral to slightly acidic |
| Frost Tolerance | Excellent; withstands alpine and coastal exposure |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
-
Superb for low to medium hedging and screening
-
Excellent mass-planted for structure and ground stability on slopes
-
Durable choice for exposed, coastal, or cold-climate sites
-
Great evergreen background shrub for native gardens or mixed borders
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Clip lightly once or twice a year to maintain shape and density.
Watering: Moderate during establishment; minimal thereafter.
Feeding: Occasional slow-release native fertiliser in spring encourages lush growth.
Pests & Diseases: Generally pest- and disease-free.
Additional Tips
Performs best in sunny, open positions with good drainage. Avoid waterlogging. Excellent choice where durability and structure are required without heavy maintenance.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
This naturally occurring hybrid bridges the toughness of Podocarpus nivalis with the fuller habit of larger Tōtara species, combining alpine resilience with ornamental appeal.
Why Choose Podocarpus nivalis × Hybrid?
A refined, hardy evergreen ideal for structured hedging or naturalistic planting—combining elegance, density, and resilience in one exceptional native shrub.
Pot Size: These are our large size in 9cm square pots.
Original: $29.74
-65%$29.74
$10.41Product Information
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Description
Podocarpus nivalis × Hybrid
Common Names: Alpine Hedge Tōtara, Hybrid Snow Tōtara
Family: Podocarpaceae
Origin: New Zealand (natural hybrid)
Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub
Overview
The Podocarpus nivalis × Hybrid, commonly known as the Alpine Hedge Tōtara, is a naturally occurring cross of the hardy Snow Tōtara (Podocarpus nivalis). This outstanding evergreen shrub retains the fine, elegant texture of the Tōtara while offering denser foliage and a slightly larger form. Tough yet refined, it excels as a premium low hedge, shelter plant, or background evergreen in exposed and challenging sites.
Key Features
Foliage: Deep green, needle-like leaves forming a dense, lush texture; evergreen all year.
Flowers / Fruit: Inconspicuous; occasional small seed cones typical of Tōtara species.
Form & Habit: Compact, bushy, and symmetrical with a naturally tidy outline.
Growth Rate: Moderate.
Cultural & Ecological Value: Hardy New Zealand native tolerant of frost, wind, and poor soils; ideal for ecological restoration and habitat planting.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.5 m |
| Spread | 1.5 m |
| Form | Compact, rounded shrub |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Water | Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established |
| Soil | Free-draining soils; tolerates sandy or rocky conditions |
| pH Range | Neutral to slightly acidic |
| Frost Tolerance | Excellent; withstands alpine and coastal exposure |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
-
Superb for low to medium hedging and screening
-
Excellent mass-planted for structure and ground stability on slopes
-
Durable choice for exposed, coastal, or cold-climate sites
-
Great evergreen background shrub for native gardens or mixed borders
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Clip lightly once or twice a year to maintain shape and density.
Watering: Moderate during establishment; minimal thereafter.
Feeding: Occasional slow-release native fertiliser in spring encourages lush growth.
Pests & Diseases: Generally pest- and disease-free.
Additional Tips
Performs best in sunny, open positions with good drainage. Avoid waterlogging. Excellent choice where durability and structure are required without heavy maintenance.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
This naturally occurring hybrid bridges the toughness of Podocarpus nivalis with the fuller habit of larger Tōtara species, combining alpine resilience with ornamental appeal.
Why Choose Podocarpus nivalis × Hybrid?
A refined, hardy evergreen ideal for structured hedging or naturalistic planting—combining elegance, density, and resilience in one exceptional native shrub.
Pot Size: These are our large size in 9cm square pots.
