Yew, Japanese Maki

Plant name: Yew, Japanese Maki

Scientific name: Podocarpus macrophyllus

Plant description:
Japanese Maki is a dense, upright evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its refined texture and strong architectural form. Often used as a hedge, screen, or clipped topiary, it responds well to pruning and maintains a clean outline in formal or contemporary landscapes. Growth is moderate and controlled, producing a structured silhouette that works in residential and commercial plantings.

Flower description:
Flowers are small and inconspicuous. Male and female flowers appear on separate plants. Female plants may produce small, fleshy, berry-like structures that mature to a purplish tone, though fruiting is not highly ornamental.

Leaf description:
Leaves are narrow, strap-like, and leathery with a smooth surface and deep green color. Foliage grows in a layered arrangement along upright stems, giving the plant a soft but structured appearance. Leaves remain glossy and intact year-round.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 8–11

Mature height and width:
Typically 15–20 feet tall and 6–8 feet wide when grown as a small tree. Can be maintained at 6–10 feet tall and narrower when regularly pruned as a hedge or screen.

Landscape uses:
Widely used for privacy hedges, foundation plantings, windbreaks, and formal garden designs. Suitable for large containers, courtyard gardens, and topiary shaping. Its upright growth habit makes it effective in narrow spaces and along property lines.

Native range:
Southern Japan and southern China

Sun exposure:
Full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates, light afternoon shade can reduce stress, though it performs reliably in direct sun with adequate moisture.

Water requirements:
Moderate water during establishment. Once established, Japanese Maki tolerates short dry periods but benefits from consistent moisture in well-drained soil. Avoid standing water or poorly drained planting sites.

Pests and problems:
Generally durable and low maintenance. May occasionally encounter scale insects or spider mites. Root decline can occur in compacted or waterlogged soils. Proper spacing and drainage reduce most issues.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Strong tolerance of heat and bright sun once established. Maintains foliage color and density through warm growing conditions.

Cold tolerance:
Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8. Light frost is typically tolerated, but prolonged freezing temperatures may cause foliage burn or dieback. In colder regions within its range, protection from harsh winter winds can improve performance.

Growing tips:
Plant in well-drained soil with room for airflow around the canopy. Prune selectively to maintain shape rather than shearing heavily, which preserves natural texture. Apply mulch to moderate soil temperature and retain moisture, keeping it clear of the trunk base. Fertilize lightly in spring to support steady growth without forcing overly soft foliage.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

, Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.