How to Grow and Care for Totara

Totara, also known as Totara pine, Mahogany pine

Totara is generally recognized for its resilience and adaptability, making it a relatively easy-care plant. It thrives best in well-drained soil with regular watering, though it's quite tolerant of drought once established. A special care point for totara includes providing ample space to accommodate its growth, as it can become a large tree. Additionally, totara prefers full sun to partial shade and may need protection from strong winds.

Watering schedule: Every 2-3 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

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Planting and Growing Totara

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 2-3 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	5-6
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	9-11

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More General Info About Totara

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Totara is an evergreen tree notable for its considerable size, potentially reaching heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters) in its natural environment, though typically observed to grow around 25-30 feet (7.6-9.1 meters) in gardens. Its broad, spreading form matures into a massive, thick trunk with deeply furrowed, flaky bark. The gray-green foliage consists of leathery leaves with pointed tips, physically tough yet not sharp. The tree exhibits resilience to cold, tolerating temperatures down to at least 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-9 degrees Celsius).