Southern Living? Roman Candle? Podocarpus Shrub - Podocarpus gracilior

Southern Living® Roman Candle® Podocarpus Shrub (Podocarpus gracilior)

This sleek evergreen shrub combines ornamental beauty with genuine durability, making it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance privacy screen or vertical accent plant. Its distinctive variegated foliage displays creamy and pale chartreuse tones on new growth, creating visual interest throughout the year. Buy Southern Living® Roman Candle® Podocarpus online to add an elegant, narrow-form shrub that thrives in heat and full sun while resisting pests and deer browsing.

Landscaping Uses

This upright, slender shrub excels as a living privacy hedge along property lines or fence borders where space is limited. Plant it alongside entryway approaches, near patio edges, or as a vertical focal point in foundation plantings to draw the eye upward. Its compact width makes it perfect for narrow side yards and confined garden spaces where fuller shrubs would overwhelm the area.

Specifications

Height: Up to 12 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Well-draining
USDA Zones: 7b to 11

Why Homeowners Love It

• Striking variegated foliage with bright new growth that refreshes the landscape seasonally
• Naturally compact, columnar form requires minimal pruning to maintain a polished appearance
• Proven toughness against pests, diseases, and deer damage without heavy maintenance
• Exceptional heat and full-sun tolerance, thriving where other plants struggle in intense conditions

Planting & Care

Plant within four weeks of arrival in well-draining soil, digging a hole twice the width of the root ball and positioning the plant at its original depth. Water deeply after planting and apply a 3-foot mulch layer to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Water regularly during establishment, then rely on its drought tolerance while offering deep watering during extended dry periods. In early spring, apply balanced slow-release fertilizer or work compost into the soil, and prune lightly to remove dead wood and refine shape. In Zone 7a, provide winter protection during the coldest months.