What: Podocarpus lawrencei Blue Gem, or Blue Mountain Plum-Pine, is a colorful, easy-to-grow selection from Tasmania. In spring, the new growth is a bright blue-green that deepens in tone as the summer progresses. It is one of the hardiest of the Podocarpus and one of the best blue foliage forms we can grow in the Northwest. The low, spreading habit is useful in the garden as it can tolerate pruning well and can even be sheared to create a spectacular low blue hedge. Once established it is drought tolerant.
Where: This adaptable evergreen conifer has its best color in full sun but will tolerate open to light shade. It prefers a well-drained or sandy soil and can tolerate drought once it’s well established.
Size: Reaches 4 feet high by 8 feet wide in 10 years.
Care: Blue Mountain Plum-Pine will respond well to pruning and can be sheared to make a tight low hedge. If allowed to maintain its natural form, little pruning is required.
— greatplantpicks.org
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