About
A reasonably slow growing, low, mound-forming pine with short, twisted, dense, dark-green needles, growing in pairs. At maturity the shrub only reaches about 30cm (12in) high and 60cm (2ft) wide. It is an useful plant for low maintenance ground cover, being relatively undemanding, and can also tolerate dry, poor soils.
About the genus
Pinus can be shrubs or large, evergreen trees, some species with attractive bark, developing an irregular outline with age and bearing long needle-like leaves in bundles of 2, 3 or 5; conspicuous cones may fall or remain on the tree for years
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Conifers
HabitBushy, Matforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, preferably neutral to acidic soil in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by grafting
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