About

Pinus densata, the Gaoshan pine, is a tall-growing, evergreen pine reaching up to 30 m with an oval to conical canopy and red-brown bark when young, becoming grey-brown with age. Dark-green needles in bundles of two, up to 15 cm long, are produced radially along the stems. The attractive, glossy-brown cones reach 6 cm long and may remain on the tree for several years. A handsome and architectural 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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden
Native toChina, Tibet

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
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