Podocarpus macrophyllus Mood Ring® (Chinese Podocarpus)

Podocarpus macrophyllus Mood Ring® (Chinese Podocarpus) is a densely compact evergreen shrub or small tree of narrow, upright habit with leathery, lustrous, dark green leaves. The foliage emerges a beautiful bronze-red color in spring and fall, creating a stunning display. Mood Ring requires very little care, is pest and disease-resistant, and adds year-round interest in the landscape. It is perfect as an accent or used as a hedge, in containers or mass plantings.

• Grows up to 10-15 ft. tall (300-450 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm). Can be kept smaller through regular pruning
• Performs best in full sun or part shade in rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained, fertile soils. Tolerant of heat, drought and full shade. Intolerant of wet soils.
• No serious pest or disease issues. May develop chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves) in alkaline soils. Deer resistant.
• If needed, prune in early spring before the first flush.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Male Podocarpus spp. are highly allergenic with a top OPALS allergy-scale rating of 10. In contrast, entirely female Podocarpus plants score a low OPALS rating of 1, capturing pollen without producing any, making them “allergy-fighting”.