Podocarpus falcatus Clouds - Evergreen Trees Direct

Podocarpus falcatus Clouds 90L Evergreen Trees Direct

Podocarpus falcatus Clouds

Most loved for its fine-textured evergreen foliage and elegant cloud-like form when pruned, creating a striking architectural feature.

$22,680.00

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Pot size

Available batches

Size: 240L

240L 200L 100L

Current height guide: Please enquire
Pot size: 240L

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

Order multiple sizes

Mix pot sizes and batches in one order.

Size / batch	Each	Quantity
240LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights	$22,680.00
200LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights	$6,500.00
100LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights	$3,450.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Subtotal before discounts & delivery$0.00

Delivery is calculated at checkout.

About this tree

Mature height: Naturally grows 15m to 25m (approx.) (cloud height is maintained by pruning)
Mature width: 1.5m to 2.5m

Podocarpus falcatus grown as Clouds is a living sculpture. Years of careful pruning shape the fine dense evergreen foliage into layered rounded tiers held clear of one another on an exposed framework, giving the Japanese cloud-pruned form that reads as architecture rather than planting.

Each specimen is individually shaped, so height and proportion vary. The plant is held at display scale by pruning rather than allowed to run to the 15 to 25 metres the species reaches naturally, and stays around 1.5 to 2.5 metres wide. Growth is slow at 20 to 40 centimetres per year, so the form holds between trims.

Cloud-pruned Podocarpus suits entries, courtyards, pool surrounds and any position where a single object needs to carry the design. It grows in full sun to part shade and is frost sensitive, so it is best in frost-free or protected positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Podocarpus falcatus Clouds

What is a cloud-pruned Podocarpus?

It is a Podocarpus falcatus shaped over many years so the foliage forms distinct layered rounded tiers on an exposed branch framework. The technique is Japanese in origin and each specimen is individually trained.

How big is a cloud-pruned Podocarpus?

Height depends on the individual specimen and how it has been trained. Width is generally 1.5 to 2.5 metres. Pruning holds the plant at display scale rather than letting it reach its natural size.

How much maintenance does it need?

Trim two to three times a year to keep the cloud layers distinct and prevent them merging. Slow growth of 20 to 40 centimetres per year means the shape holds well between trims.

Is Podocarpus falcatus frost tolerant?

No. It is frost sensitive and may be damaged by frost. Choose a frost-free or well-protected position, particularly for an advanced specimen.

Can it be grown in a pot?

Yes. Cloud-pruned specimens are often grown in large decorative pots at entries and in courtyards, where the sculptural form can be seen against a wall. Use a free-draining mix.

Does it grow in shade?

It performs in full sun through to part shade. In deeper shade growth is more open, which makes the cloud layers harder to maintain cleanly.

Where does a cloud-pruned Podocarpus work best?

As a single feature at an entry, in a courtyard, beside a pool or against a plain rendered wall, where the silhouette carries the design. It is not intended for group or hedge planting.

Mature height & width

Mature height: Naturally grows 15m to 25m (approx.) (cloud height is maintained by pruning)
Mature width: 1.5m to 2.5m

Pot sizes & dimensions

Pot / bag size	Width	Depth
30cm Pot	33cm	30cm
40cm/45L Pot	44cm	41.5cm
50cm Pot / 70L Pot	55cm	41.8cm
100L Bag	50.6cm	52.8cm
150L Bag	66cm	55cm
200L Bag	71.5cm	60.5cm
300L Bag	88cm	63.8cm
400L Bag	99cm	66cm
500L Bag	122cm	66cm
750L Bag	134cm	69cm
1000L Bag	146.3cm	71.5cm
2000L Bag	176cm	82.5cm

General planting reference from our existing size guide. Actual containers can vary by supplier and batch; confirm exact dimensions if required.

Delivery & pickup

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Plan your hedge

Enter the length of your boundary, then choose how closely you want to plant.

How long is the boundary you want to plant along?

Choose your planting spacing

Dense hedge1 m apart More open screening1.5 m apart

Enter your boundary length to see how many trees you need.

Measure only the boundary you intend to plant—exclude gates and gaps. Spacing is centre to centre. Quantities are rounded up for one row, allowing roughly half the spacing at each end. Site conditions and pruning affect the final hedge.

About Podocarpus falcatus 'Clouds'

Frequently Asked Questions

About Podocarpus falcatus Clouds

What is a cloud-pruned Podocarpus?

How big is a cloud-pruned Podocarpus?

Height depends on the individual specimen and how it has been trained. Width is generally 1.5 to 2.5 metres. Pruning holds the plant at display scale rather than letting it reach its natural size.

How much maintenance does it need?

Trim two to three times a year to keep the cloud layers distinct and prevent them merging. Slow growth of 20 to 40 centimetres per year means the shape holds well between trims.

Is Podocarpus falcatus frost tolerant?

No. It is frost sensitive and may be damaged by frost. Choose a frost-free or well-protected position, particularly for an advanced specimen.

Can it be grown in a pot?

Yes. Cloud-pruned specimens are often grown in large decorative pots at entries and in courtyards, where the sculptural form can be seen against a wall. Use a free-draining mix.

Does it grow in shade?

It performs in full sun through to part shade. In deeper shade growth is more open, which makes the cloud layers harder to maintain cleanly.

Where does a cloud-pruned Podocarpus work best?

As a single feature at an entry, in a courtyard, beside a pool or against a plain rendered wall, where the silhouette carries the design. It is not intended for group or hedge planting.

Foliage: Evergreen (foliage year round)
Position: Full Sun
Part Shade
Form: Tiered
Use: Screening or Privacy
Feature Tree
Rural Property Planting
Mature height: Naturally grows 15m to 25m (approx.) (cloud height is maintained by pruning)
Mature width: 1.5m to 2.5m

Planting Information

How To Plant Your Podocarpus falcatus Clouds

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun with good air movement and room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and a light dressing of aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth, avoiding any low spot where water might pool.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Podocarpus falcatus Clouds

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Pot or container: A 40 to 50 centimetre wide pot suits a single specimen for courtyards, entries and balconies.

Podocarpus falcatus Clouds is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm (variable based on pruning) (approx.).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Podocarpus falcatus Clouds

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 centimetre layer of organic mulch or pine bark over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk to avoid waterlogging at the base.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Podocarpus falcatus Clouds in Different Soil

Podocarpus falcatus performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is sharp and waterlogging is avoided.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting, and mound slightly to lift the root zone.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent foliage colour.

pH: Neutral preferred. A light dressing of dolomite suits most conifers.

Uses in my Garden

Screening or Privacy
Feature Tree
Rural Property Planting

Podocarpus falcatus Clouds works in an:

Japanese Inspired – serene balance of form, foliage, and flow.
Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Podocarpus falcatus Clouds Evergreen or Deciduous?

Podocarpus falcatus Clouds is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: Naturally grows 15m to 25m (approx.) (cloud height is maintained by pruning)

Mature Width: 1.5m to 2.5m

Podocarpus falcatus Clouds is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm (variable based on pruning) (approx.).

Growth Rate of Podocarpus falcatus Clouds

Podocarpus falcatus Clouds is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm (variable based on pruning) (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Podocarpus falcatus Clouds

Is Podocarpus falcatus Clouds frost tolerant?

Podocarpus falcatus Clouds is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

Does Podocarpus falcatus Clouds Flower?

Podocarpus falcatus produces very small, inconspicuous male and female cones in spring. These are not ornamental, but they mature subtly among the dark green foliage without disrupting the clean, sculpted appearance of the cloud-pruned form.

Does Podocarpus falcatus Clouds flower?

No - Doesn't Flower

Flowering Period:

Not Applicable

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Podocarpus falcatus Clouds an Australian Native Tree?

Podocarpus falcatus Clouds is Native to Southern Africa, particularly South Africa, Swaziland, and Mozambique, where Podocarpus falcatus (Outeniqua Yellowwood) grows in coastal and montane forests.

What is the Wildlife Value of Podocarpus falcatus Clouds ?

Its small cones and fleshy seed structures attract birds, while the layered cloud-pruned canopy provides sheltered perching and protection for small bird species. The dense evergreen pads also support beneficial insects and microfauna, offering meaningful ecological value even in a highly ornamental form.

How much Sunlight does Podocarpus falcatus Clouds need?

Podocarpus falcatus Clouds will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

Podocarpus falcatus performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. Cloud-pruned forms particularly benefit from free-draining soil to protect the shaping and root health; avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas unless improved with coarse material and organic matter to enhance aeration. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then move to deep, infrequent watering as the tree matures to support drought resilience, strong structural growth and the longevity of its sculpted cloud form.

Is Podocarpus falcatus Clouds Drought Tolerant?

Is Podocarpus falcatus Clouds Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Podocarpus falcatus develops good drought tolerance. Naturally suited to warm, dry and coastal conditions, it maintains its dense, architectural foliage pads with only occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Podocarpus falcatus be grown in containers?
Yes, it thrives in large pots, making it perfect for patios, courtyards, and balconies.

How often should I prune it?
Minimal pruning required, but shaping once or twice a year maintains the cloud-like aesthetic.

Is it suitable for coastal gardens?
Yes, it tolerates salt spray and coastal conditions when protected from strong winds.

Does it require frequent watering?
Regular watering during establishment, but once mature, it is highly drought-tolerant.

Is it slow-growing?
Yes, it has a moderate growth rate, making it ideal for controlled shapes and topiary work.

Compare sizes side by side

240L

Enquire for current heights

200L

Enquire for current heights

100L

Enquire for current heights

Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

Podocarpus falcatus 'Clouds' is loved for its fine-textured evergreen foliage and elegant cloud-like form when pruned, creating a striking architectural feature.

We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

Plant Your Podocarpus falcatus Clouds With:

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.