Podocarpus lawrencii Blue Gem

Forming a small bristly bush, with an upright to spreading habit, Podocarpus lawrencii 'Blue Gem' is a slightly frost-tender, but very attractive, Australian conifer. It displays magnificent blue foliage, composed of tiny leaves that create a fabulous contrast with its fleshy red berries. Its small, twisted branches are carried by a very short and knotty trunk, which is particularly interesting in a pot or rock garden. Its growth is quite slow, and it prefers cool, light, neutral to acidic soils. It requires full sun and a sheltered position.

Podocarpus lawrencii is an evergreen conifer of the Podocarpaceae family, native to all regions of Australia. In its natural environment, depending on its habitat, it will reach a height of 60 cm (24in) in the mountains, while in the plains it can grow up to 8 m (26ft) tall. It often forms living carpets, flattened on rocks and pruned by the wind. This slightly hardy species ,-7 to -12°C (19.4 to 10.4°F) requires good sunlight and a moist but well-drained soil.

The 'Blue Gem' variety, as its name suggests, differs from the wild species by its very small size, and by its beautiful blue foliage tinged with aqua green. Its habit is unusual, bushy and bristly, more or less upright or spreading, but always contorted, and influenced by cultivation conditions. Its growth is slow, so in the long run it will not exceed 1 to 2 m (3 to 7ft) in all directions. Its twisted branches are covered with small leaves that are 1 cm (1in) long, 2 to 3 mm (1in) wide, and sometimes turn red in winter due to the cold. It produces red berries that are 5 to 10 mm (1in) in diameter, which are loved by birds but toxic to many mammals (including humans).

Podocarpus lawrencii 'Blue Gem' will find its place in a small garden with a mild and humid climate, in a border or rock garden. It can be displayed as a rare and precious object in a large pot on the patio or balcony, which will protect it from the coldest winters. It works wonders in a Japanese garden, perfectly suited to the art of bonsai and goes well with large stones, geometric lines of pools, and architectural structures. It can be associated with grasses or sacred bamboos. The true geometric qualities of conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures to an array of flowers. These structural plants, enhance a border, mark pathways and decorate the patio or balcony, happily replacing trimmed boxwood or holly. The key is to play with volumes and colours.