About

Pinus balfouriana, the foxtail pine, is a slow-growing, mountain pine from California capable of great age, producing a broadly conical to irregular crown. The evergreen, deep blue-green needles in groups of five are up to 4 cm long and highly persistent, living up to 30 years before being shed. Purple to red-brown, oval to cylindrical cones take two years to mature. A fascinating and architectural conifer for a well-drained, sunny garden.

About the genus

Pinus, the pines, are evergreen coniferous trees or shrubs � some with attractive bark � developing an irregular crown with age and bearing long, needle-like leaves in bundles of 2, 3 or 5. Conspicuous cones may fall or persist on the tree for years. Among the most widely grown of all ornamental conifers.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toUSA (California)

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained, preferably neutral to acidic soil in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, by semi-ripe cuttings, by hardwood cuttings, or by grafting, see: trees and shrubs from seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to adelgids, conifer aphid, sawfly larvae, and pine shoot moth
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus and needle cast diseases