How to Grow Totara
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Totara
Podocarpus totara
treeTotara is a large, slow-growing evergreen conifer native to New Zealand, prized for its exceptional timber and ornamental value. It can reach 15-25 meters (50-80 feet) in height with a dense, pyramidal form when young, becoming more spreading with age. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers followed by fleshy, berry-like fruits that are attractive to birds.
When should you plant Totara 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 Totara timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Totara
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Totara
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Totara dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 9b-11; best in maritime climates with moderate temperatures
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Get my Totara timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Sapling
1-3 yearsYoung tree (1-3 years) with soft, bronze-tinted new foliage and narrow pyramidal form
Establish regular watering schedule, protect from strong winds, avoid excessive fertilization which promotes weak growth. Provide light staking if needed.
Juvenile Growth
3-10 yearsTree develops stronger branch structure (3-10 years), foliage transitions to deeper green, form becomes more robust
Prune lightly to shape if desired; remove competing central leaders. Maintain consistent moisture. Begin deep mulching for temperature moderation.
Maturing Tree
10-30 yearsEstablished tree (10-30 years) with dense canopy, thicker trunk diameter, and characteristic flaky bark developing
Minimal pruning needed except for dead/diseased wood removal. Water during droughts. Tree becomes increasingly wind-firm and drought-tolerant.
Productive/Mature Tree
30+ yearsFully mature tree (30+ years) producing abundant small flowers and berry-like fruits (drupes) attractive to native birds
Maintain tree health through appropriate watering and pest management. Fruits appear sporadically; encourage fruiting through light pruning and good nutrition.
Old Growth/Timber Stage
100+ yearsAncient trees (100+ years) with very thick trunks, spreading form, and exceptional timber quality valued historically by Māori peoples
Preserve for heritage/environmental value. Minimal intervention; focus on health monitoring and disease prevention. Protected in many regions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for infestations; spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in early summer. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Generally minor damage; prune affected foliage if severe. Maintain tree vigor through proper watering and nutrition.
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil if populations become problematic. More common in dry, hot conditions.
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Prune out infected branches; sterilize tools between cuts. Avoid wounding trees; maintain good air circulation and drainage.
Uses
Premium Timber & Woodworking
HouseholdTotara wood is exceptionally durable, fine-grained, and resistant to decay, historically used by Māori for canoes, buildings, and carved taonga (treasured objects). Modern uses include high-end furniture, musical instruments, and exterior cladding. [source]
Native Bird Habitat & Food Source
WildlifeThe fleshy fruits and dense foliage provide essential food and shelter for native New Zealand birds including tui, bellbirds, and pigeons. As a long-lived tree, it contributes to ecosystem continuity and biodiversity. [source]
Carving & Fine Art
CraftThe fine, stable wood is ideal for detailed carving and turning, prized by indigenous Māori carvers and contemporary woodworkers for sculptural works and traditional applications. [source]
Traditional Māori Healing
MedicinalTotara has been used in traditional Māori medicine; certain parts have been investigated for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, though modern clinical evidence is limited. [source]
Ornamental Landscape Tree
HouseholdValued as a majestic specimen tree in parks, gardens, and estates for its striking form, year-round evergreen foliage, and cultural significance. Creates a sense of permanence and natural beauty. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Totara is not harvested in the traditional sense by home gardeners. Commercial timber harvesting occurs only on trees 100+ years old. For seed collection, gather berry-like fruits when ripe (fall/winter) and extract seeds for propagation. No regular pruning harvest is typical.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Totara is one of New Zealand's most durable timbers; archaeological evidence shows structures built from totara 500+ years ago remain intact, demonstrating its exceptional resistance to rot and decay.
- 🌱 The name 'Totara' comes from the Māori language; the tree holds deep cultural significance and was historically protected in Māori forestry management, making it one of the world's earliest examples of sustainable timber harvesting.
- 🌱 Totara is extremely slow-growing but incredibly long-lived; some specimens are estimated to be over 1,000 years old, making them among the longest-living trees in the Southern Hemisphere.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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