How to Grow Plum Pine
Plum Pine
Podocarpus cunninghamii
treePodocarpus cunninghamii, commonly known as Plum Pine, is a slow-growing evergreen conifer native to New Zealand. It features attractive needle-like foliage and distinctive plum-like fleshy fruits, making it both ornamental and functional. This tree is prized for its compact form, fine texture, and ability to thrive in shade.
When should you plant Plum Pine in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Plum Pine timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Plum Pine
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Plum Pine
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Plum Pine dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11, with some hardiness possible in protected locations in zone 8b
Sign up free to see if Plum Pine grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Plum Pine timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 1-2 yearsYoung sapling with slow vertical growth and delicate needle foliage; developing root system
Water regularly to establish roots; protect from strong winds; apply 2-3 inches of mulch; avoid heavy pruning
Juvenile
3-7 yearsTree develops dense, conical form with fine-textured foliage; reaching 3-8 feet in height
Maintain consistent moisture; apply balanced fertilizer in spring; minimal pruning to maintain shape
Mature Vegetative
Ongoing after 7-10 yearsEstablished tree with full canopy; 8-15+ feet tall; dark green needle foliage with slight bronze tones
Water during dry spells; fertilize annually in spring; prune selectively to maintain desired form
Reproductive
Begins at 5-10+ years; ongoingMature trees produce small flowers followed by distinctive plum-like fleshy fruits that are dark purple to black
Ensure adequate water and nutrition; both male and female trees needed for fruit production; fruits attract birds
Decline Management
Final decadesLong-lived tree (50-100+ years); may require selective pruning of dead branches
Remove dead or diseased branches; maintain soil health; avoid major pruning; monitor for pests
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; prune affected branches; introduce natural predators
-
Prune heavily infested branches; apply horticultural oil in dormant season; encourage beneficial insects
-
Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil if severe
-
Improve air circulation; remove affected foliage; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if necessary
Uses
Edible Fruits
CulinaryThe distinctive plum-like fruits are edible with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and can be eaten fresh or used in jams and preserves. The soft, fleshy exterior encases a single hard seed. [source]
Landscape Specimen
OrnamentalValued as an ornamental tree for its fine needle-like foliage, slow growth rate, and compact form. Excellent for shade gardens, small spaces, and Asian-style landscaping. [source]
Wildlife Food Source
WildlifeFruits attract birds and native wildlife, making it valuable for ecological gardens. Provides year-round evergreen shelter for birds. [source]
Traditional Medicine
MedicinalIn traditional Māori and Polynesian medicine, Podocarpus species were used in various remedies and preparations, though modern clinical evidence is limited. [source]
Topiary and Bonsai
HouseholdThe slow growth and fine foliage make Plum Pine suitable for topiary, container growing, and bonsai cultivation in appropriate climates. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Fruits ripen in late summer to fall and can be harvested by hand when dark purple/black and soft; edible raw with a plum-like flavor and single seed; typically fruits sparsely in cultivation but more abundantly in optimal conditions
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Podocarpus cunninghamii is native to New Zealand and is called 'Plum Pine' or 'Kawaka' by the Māori people, who have used it for centuries.
- 🌱 Despite being called a 'pine,' Podocarpus is not a true pine but belongs to an ancient conifer family that dates back to the Jurassic period, making it a 'living fossil' of sorts.
- 🌱 The fleshy fruits are technically modified seed cones (arils) unique to Podocarpus and allied genera, a characteristic that distinguishes them from most other conifers.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Plum Pine planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Plum Pine seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Plum Pine timeline →