The Story
An easy-care evergreen with stunning new growth
This remarkable shrub brings a striking touch to any landscape with its variegated foliage, featuring fresh white to light green new growth. Its evergreen nature ensures that it maintains its lush appearance year-round, making it a fantastic choice for hedges or as eye-catching accents. With a tough disposition, this shrub stands resilient against pests, diseases, and even deer, plus it thrives in full sun and heat, proving it can withstand challenging conditions while looking beautiful.
With an upright, slender growth habit, this low-care shrub fits beautifully into tight spaces, including along entryways, beside patios, or as a narrow privacy hedge. Its naturally tidy form reduces the need for frequent pruning, allowing you to enjoy a clean, refined look with minimal upkeep. Whether used as a structured hedge or a vertical accent plant, this evergreen delivers strong visual impact without demanding constant attention.
About Southern Living®: The Southern Living® Plant Collection was created to bring gardeners plants that truly thrive in real-world landscapes. Each variety is carefully selected and rigorously tested to ensure it performs beautifully—especially in challenging Southern conditions like heat and humidity. Since its introduction in 2008, the collection has focused on offering reliable, solution-driven plants with outstanding color, form, and durability, so you can garden with confidence and enjoy lasting results.
Planting & Care
1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Roman Candles® Podocarpus is cold hardy to Zone 7b and will require winter protection in Zone 7a. For best color and fullness, plant in full sun, though it will tolerate part to full shade. Soil must be well-draining, as podocarpus does not tolerate wet conditions. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth as it was growing in the container. Backfill gently with a mixture of native soil and compost. Spread a layer of mulch extending about 3 feet around the plant to conserve moisture, insulate roots, and suppress weeds. Water deeply after planting.
2. Watering: Water the shrub regularly after planting to establish roots. Once established, it tolerates drought conditions but will appreciate deep watering during prolonged dry spells to maintain healthy foliage.
3. Pruning: Light pruning can enhance its shape and encourage denser growth. It’s best to prune in early spring before new growth begins, removing any dead or crossing branches for a tidier appearance.
4. Fertilizing: In early spring, work fresh compost into the soil or apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer such as Espoma Garden Food® 10-10-10, following manufacturer guidelines. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excess nutrients can damage roots.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Description
An easy-care evergreen with stunning new growth
This remarkable shrub brings a striking touch to any landscape with its variegated foliage, featuring fresh white to light green new growth. Its evergreen nature ensures that it maintains its lush appearance year-round, making it a fantastic choice for hedges or as eye-catching accents. With a tough disposition, this shrub stands resilient against pests, diseases, and even deer, plus it thrives in full sun and heat, proving it can withstand challenging conditions while looking beautiful.
With an upright, slender growth habit, this low-care shrub fits beautifully into tight spaces, including along entryways, beside patios, or as a narrow privacy hedge. Its naturally tidy form reduces the need for frequent pruning, allowing you to enjoy a clean, refined look with minimal upkeep. Whether used as a structured hedge or a vertical accent plant, this evergreen delivers strong visual impact without demanding constant attention.
About Southern Living®: The Southern Living® Plant Collection was created to bring gardeners plants that truly thrive in real-world landscapes. Each variety is carefully selected and rigorously tested to ensure it performs beautifully—especially in challenging Southern conditions like heat and humidity. Since its introduction in 2008, the collection has focused on offering reliable, solution-driven plants with outstanding color, form, and durability, so you can garden with confidence and enjoy lasting results.
Planting & Care
1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Roman Candles® Podocarpus is cold hardy to Zone 7b and will require winter protection in Zone 7a. For best color and fullness, plant in full sun, though it will tolerate part to full shade. Soil must be well-draining, as podocarpus does not tolerate wet conditions. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth as it was growing in the container. Backfill gently with a mixture of native soil and compost. Spread a layer of mulch extending about 3 feet around the plant to conserve moisture, insulate roots, and suppress weeds. Water deeply after planting.
2. Watering: Water the shrub regularly after planting to establish roots. Once established, it tolerates drought conditions but will appreciate deep watering during prolonged dry spells to maintain healthy foliage.
3. Pruning: Light pruning can enhance its shape and encourage denser growth. It’s best to prune in early spring before new growth begins, removing any dead or crossing branches for a tidier appearance.
4. Fertilizing: In early spring, work fresh compost into the soil or apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer such as Espoma Garden Food® 10-10-10, following manufacturer guidelines. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excess nutrients can damage roots.
