Long Leafed Fern Pine | Graceful Evergreen with Pendulous Foliage

Long Leafed Fern Pine

5 Gallon

$65.00

1/5

Long Leafed Fern Pine

Podocarpus henkelii

An elegant evergreen with long, graceful, drooping leaves, perfect for formal screens or specimens.

$65.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Long-leafed Fern Pine is a strikingly elegant and graceful evergreen tree, valued for its distinctive, pendulous foliage and refined, pyramidal form. Unlike the common Fern Pine (Podocarpus gracilior), its leaves are significantly longer, narrower, and glossier, hanging in soft, feathery curtains from its sweeping branches. This slow-growing, clean, and pest-free tree brings a sophisticated, soft-textured aesthetic to the landscape, making it an outstanding choice as a specimen, a tall, dense screen, or a uniquely beautiful formal hedge in mild climates.

Elegant, Pendulous Foliage: Features exceptionally long, narrow, willow-like leaves of a deep, glossy green that droop gracefully from the branches, creating a soft, flowing, and highly ornamental texture.
Refined, Dense Evergreen Form: Grows into a handsome, upright, pyramidal tree with dense branching, providing year-round privacy and structure.
Excellent for Tall Screens and Hedges: Responds very well to pruning and can be maintained at any desired height, forming a remarkably dense, lush, and formal evergreen wall or hedge.
Low-Maintenance and Pest-Free: Known for being remarkably clean (minimal leaf drop) and free from serious pest or disease problems, requiring little care beyond occasional shaping.
Prefers Mild, Frost-Free Climates: Thrives in full sun to partial shade in USDA zones 9-11. It tolerates light frost and some drought once established but performs best with moderate, regular moisture.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Q: How does it differ from the more common Fern Pine (Podocarpus gracilior)?
A: Podocarpus henkelii is distinguished by its much longer (4-7 inches), narrower, glossier, and more distinctly pendulous leaves, giving it a more refined and dramatic weeping appearance. P. gracilior has shorter, somewhat wider, and less glossy leaves. Both are excellent trees, but P. henkelii is often preferred for its more pronounced ornamental foliage.

Q: How fast does it grow and how should it be pruned for a hedge?
A: It is a slow to moderate grower. For a formal hedge, plant them 3-4 feet apart. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, and then lightly shear or tip-prune 2-3 times during the growing season to encourage dense branching. It can be maintained at heights from 6 feet to over 20 feet with consistent pruning. Its slow growth rate means less frequent trimming once the desired form is achieved.