How to Grow Rimu, New Zealand Red Pine

Rimu, New Zealand Red Pine

Dacrydium cupressinum

tree

Dacrydium cupressinum is a majestic native New Zealand conifer that can reach 50+ meters in height with a narrow, columnar form and graceful, drooping foliage. It is a slow-growing, long-lived tree valued for its ornamental appeal, timber quality, and ecological importance in native forests. The tree features fine, scale-like leaves arranged in flattened sprays that give it a distinctive feathery appearance.

When should you plant Rimu, New Zealand Red Pine in your zone?

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Example Rimu, New Zealand Red Pine timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Rimu, New Zealand Red Pine
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Rimu, New Zealand Red Pine
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Rimu, New Zealand Red Pine dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to full sun; prefers cool, moist conditions and benefits from afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Requires consistent moisture, especially during establishment and dry periods; prefers humid conditions and is sensitive to drought once established. Does not tolerate waterlogged soils. Increased watering needed in containers or dry climates.

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Spacing: 240 inches

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Days to maturity: 2000

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Planting depth: Surface sowing or 0.25 inches depth for seeds; transplants should be positioned with root collar at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with good organic matter content; tolerates poor and infertile soils

pH: 5.5-6.5

Amendments:

Peat moss or coir to increase water retention and acidity Compost for organic matter Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Avoid lime or high-pH amendments

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 9b-11, with best growth in temperate maritime climates similar to New Zealand's South Island

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Seed germination

2-4 weeks

Seeds are tiny and non-dormant; germination occurs within 2-4 weeks under appropriate conditions with high humidity and cool temperatures (50-60°F)

Sow on moist, well-draining seed-starting mix; maintain high humidity with plastic covering or misting; avoid heat; provide light (seeds benefit from light exposure); keep consistently moist but not waterlogged

Seedling establishment

8-12 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with needle-like cotyledons; very slow initial growth; seedlings are fragile and require careful handling

Maintain high humidity and cool temperatures; provide bright, indirect light; grow in small containers with quality seed-starting mix; water gently to avoid damaging delicate tissues; protect from direct sun and drying winds

Juvenile growth

5-15+ years

Slow but steady vertical growth; characteristic feathery, drooping foliage develops; tree may remain in this stage for many years before approaching mature form

Pot up to larger containers as needed; provide consistent moisture and cool conditions; avoid fertilizers (prefers low-nutrient conditions); prune only to remove dead growth or establish shape; ensure adequate air circulation; protect from strong winds and extreme heat

Maturation and development

Ongoing for decades to centuries

Tree develops columnar form with more pronounced drooping branch tips; growth rate remains slow; foliage becomes denser and more graceful

Maintain consistent, deep watering during dry periods; mulch around base to retain moisture and cool soil; minimal pruning needed; protect from salt spray and severe winds; monitor for pest issues; provide spacing to allow air circulation around canopy

Maturity

Indefinite; can live hundreds of years

Fully developed form with characteristic narrow, weeping silhouette; may produce cones; growth slows to minimal

Continue consistent watering during establishment phases; monitor tree health; allow natural form to develop; minimal intervention required; appreciates cool, humid growing conditions; long-term maintenance involves removing dead branches and monitoring for disease

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Podocarpus totara Nothofagus species Prumnopitys ferruginea Pittosporum tenuifolium Astelia solandri Native ferns Griselinia littoralis

Avoid planting near:

Lime-loving plants requiring alkaline soils Plants requiring hot, dry conditions Salt-tolerant species that prefer coastal salt exposure (in non-coastal gardens) Shallow-rooted competitors that may dry out the soil

Common Pests

Inspect regularly; spray affected areas with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in early spring; prune heavily infested branches if possible
Increase humidity through misting; spray with water to remove mites; use miticides only if severe; ensure good air circulation
Remove by hand or with a soft brush dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation
and
Remove affected foliage; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; fungicides may be necessary in humid climates with poor drainage

Uses

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Ornamental landscape tree

Household

Rimu is prized as an ornamental specimen tree for its elegant, columnar form and distinctive weeping foliage, adding vertical interest and architectural beauty to temperate gardens and parks. It serves as a living focal point and windbreak. [source]

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Timber and woodcraft

Household

Historically and commercially valuable for high-quality timber used in fine furniture, boat building, and architectural applications; the wood is durable, fine-grained, and takes a beautiful finish. [source]

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Native ecosystem restoration

Wildlife

As a native New Zealand conifer, rimu is essential for restoring and maintaining native forest ecosystems, providing habitat and food sources for endemic birds and insects including the kea and native tuis. [source]

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Traditional Māori uses

Medicinal

Historically used in Māori traditional medicine and cultural practices; the resin and wood have been valued for various preparations and ceremonial applications in indigenous New Zealand cultures. [source]

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Heirloom seed preservation

Craft

Growing rimu from seed is a rewarding long-term project that allows gardeners to preserve this iconic native species and contribute to genetic diversity; seeds can be propagated and shared within gardening communities. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Dacrydium cupressinum is not typically harvested in ornamental or home gardening contexts. In commercial forestry, timber harvest occurs after 100+ years of growth. For propagation purposes, collect fresh seeds (non-dormant) from mature female cones in autumn and sow immediately for best germination rates.

Fun Facts

🌱 Dacrydium cupressinum is one of New Zealand's tallest and most iconic native trees, with some specimens exceeding 50 meters in height and living for over 1,000 years; the name 'rimu' comes from the Māori language.
🌱 The tree's characteristic weeping, feathery foliage is an adaptation to New Zealand's cool, temperate climate and high rainfall environments; the fine branching increases surface area for photosynthesis in lower-light forest conditions.
🌱 Rimu is dioecious (separate male and female trees), with female cones producing distinctive fleshy, berry-like structures called arils that are dispersed by native birds such as kea and pigeons, which consume the nutritious arils and scatter the seeds.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Germination Mulch Partial Shade pH

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