About

Pinus contorta var. contorta, the shore pine, is a spreading conifer to around 15 m forming an upright tree with a flat or irregularly rounded crown in shelter but assuming a more shrub-like form with bent or twisted branches in coastal conditions. The needle-like, paired leaves 3�6 cm long may be twisted; yellow-brown cones 3�7 cm long are borne in pairs or clusters. A reliable, adaptable pine for a well-drained, sunny, coastal 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, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 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