Alpine Totara 'Jack's Pass' 'Jacks Pass'

'Jack's Pass' is a tough, low-growing evergreen conifer from New Zealand that is surprisingly well-suited to the UK climate. It forms a dense, spreading shrub with small, leathery, olive-green leaves that resemble yew needles but are stiffer. In winter, the foliage often takes on attractive bronze or reddish hues. This cultivar is hardier than many other Podocarpus species (H4/H5) and is excellent for use as ground cover, in rockeries, or for low hedging in coastal gardens, as it is very tolerant of wind and salt spray. It prefers well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Female plants may produce small, bright red, fleshy berries in autumn which are attractive but should not be eaten. It is slow-growing and requires very little pruning, making it a "plant and forget" option for many gardeners looking for year-round structure and subtle colour shifts.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained loam.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.