About
Pinus cembra, the Arolla pine, is a bushy tree to 20 m, usually narrow in habit, with dark grey-green needles borne in fives and ovoid cones 6 cm long, blue-green when young and later pale brown, containing large, edible seeds. A beautiful and ornamental five-needle pine for a sheltered, 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, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full heightMore than 50 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toC & E Europe
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in full sun. May be short-lived in shallow, chalk soil. See Trees: buying and planting specimens
PruningKeep pruning to a minimum but if dual leaders form on young trees, remove one to produce a single-stemmed tree. Trees may be resinous, any pruning should be carried out from late summer to midwinter
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring. Semi-ripe cuttings from vigorous young growth in summer or early to mid autumn
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