Podocarpus alpinus ‘Red Tip’ – Compact Evergreen with Striking New Growth

The Podocarpus alpinus ‘Red Tip’ is a compact, evergreen shrub that offers year-round structure and vibrant seasonal colour. Known for its fresh red to bronze young foliage, which contrasts beautifully with the mature deep green leaves, this hardy plant is a wonderful choice for gardeners looking to add colour and texture with minimal effort. Its neat, bushy habit makes it suitable for hedging, borders, or containers, where its glossy foliage and bright flushes of new growth can be enjoyed up close.

Tough, versatile, and easy to care for, ‘Red Tip’ is an ideal shrub for both modern and traditional gardens.

General Information

Podocarpus alpinus ‘Red Tip’ is part of the Podocarpaceae family, a group of hardy evergreens originally from the Southern Hemisphere. This variety is especially valued for its compact form and colourful foliage.

• Habit: Dense, bushy evergreen shrub with upright, rounded growth.

• Height & spread: Typically reaches 1–1.5m tall and wide, making it ideal for smaller gardens.

• Foliage: Glossy, narrow leaves; new growth flushes bright red, maturing to dark green.

• Flowers & fruit: Inconspicuous flowers; may produce small, berry-like cones on mature plants.

• Position: Best in full sun or partial shade; colour is strongest in brighter spots.

• Soil: Thrives in fertile, well-drained soil; adapts to clay or sandy soils if not waterlogged.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland; tolerates frost and wind.

• Uses: Excellent for low hedges, mixed borders, foundation planting, or patio containers.

Its tidy growth habit makes it a low-maintenance alternative to other evergreen shrubs that require regular clipping.

Care Guide

Podocarpus ‘Red Tip’ is straightforward to grow and thrives with very little attention once established.

Planting

• When to plant: Spring or autumn are ideal, though container-grown plants can be planted year-round.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot; space around 1m apart for hedges.

• Preparation: Improve heavy soils with compost or grit to enhance drainage. For containers, use multipurpose compost mixed with sand or grit.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish.

• Once mature, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from watering in prolonged dry spells.

• Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser to encourage strong, colourful growth.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Naturally compact, so it requires very little pruning.

• Lightly trim in late spring or summer if shaping is desired or to encourage fresh red growth.

• Remove dead or damaged foliage in early spring.

• Mulch annually with compost or bark to conserve moisture and improve soil fertility.

Protection

• Fully hardy and resilient, tolerating frost, wind, and coastal conditions.

• Rarely troubled by pests or diseases, making it a reliable choice for low-maintenance gardens.

Why Choose Podocarpus alpinus ‘Red Tip’?

This shrub combines ornamental colour with practical ease of care, making it an excellent addition to a wide range of garden styles.

• Seasonal colour: Bright red new growth adds vibrancy to borders and containers.

• Evergreen structure: Glossy leaves provide year-round appeal.

• Compact size: Perfect for smaller gardens, hedging, or pots.

• Low-maintenance: Requires very little pruning or special care.

• Hardy and reliable: Thrives in most garden soils and conditions.

The Podocarpus alpinus ‘Red Tip’ is a versatile and reliable evergreen shrub, offering beauty, colour, and structure throughout the year. Whether planted as a neat hedge, a border feature, or in a decorative pot, it provides effortless elegance and long-lasting interest in any garden.

• Size
  2 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.