About

Pinus contorta, the lodgepole pine, is a medium to large conical or domed conifer to 25 m with thick, fissured bark and often twisted young shoots. Yellowish-brown, conical to ovoid cones to 5 cm long are borne in pairs or clusters; cone scales have a slender spine. The yellowish-green, needle-like leaves to 5 cm long are arranged in pairs and sometimes twisted. A reliable and ornamental pine 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
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCoastal
Native toWestern N America

Care notes

CultivationGrow in a well drained, acid or neutral soil. See conifer cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by 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
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