About
Pinus mugo, the dwarf mountain pine, is a large, spreading, bushy shrub or small tree with short, dark-green, paired needles and dark-brown, ovoid cones. Invaluable as a ground-covering conifer for a well-drained, sunny garden, rockery or exposed hillside.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Shrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full heightMore than 50 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toC Europe, Balkan Peninsula
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil. Looks good in a large rock garden
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