Overview
Pinus pinaster is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Pinus, part of the Pinaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Pinus pinaster grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden and rock garden.
About
Pinus pinaster is an evergreen pine in the family Pinaceae with a well-branched habit suited to open sites. It prefers full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating chalk, clay, loam or sand across a wide pH range. Rated H7, it is fully hardy for UK gardens and will take exposed as well as sheltered positions. Recommended uses include coastal planting, cottage and informal gardens, and gravel or rock gardens.
About the genus
A pine is any conifer in the genus Pinus of the family Pinaceae. Pinus is the sole genus in the subfamily Pinoideae. The species are evergreen trees or shrubs with their leaves in bunches, usually of 2 to 5 needles.
Wikipedia contributors, "Pine", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pine
In the garden
An evergreen member of Pinaceae, Pinus pinaster carries a compact, well-branched silhouette that provides year-round structure in the border. Its evergreen foliage gives form through winter months and suits settings where persistent cover is required. Position Pinus pinaster in a sunny spot: it needs full sun to keep foliage vigorous. Soil may be chalk, clay, loam or sand provided it drains freely; the species tolerates acid to alkaline pH. It will handle both exposed and sheltered sites, and its UK hardiness of H7 (fully hardy) means it withstands normal winter conditions without special protection. Use it where permanent structure and wind resistance are wanted — coastal margins, gravel and rock gardens, and informal or cottage-style plantings. On south-, west-, east- or north-facing aspects it acts as a backdrop for lower perennials and drought-tolerant shrubs; avoid waterlogged hollows since free drainage is important. Allow space for its evergreen form so it can provide lasting shelter and a persistent framework for seasonal underplanting.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pinus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Pinus pinaster size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pinus pinaster
- Propagation
- Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring
- Pest resistance
- Adelgids, conifer aphid, sawfly larvae, pine shoot moth
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, needle cast diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pinus pinaster?
Pinus pinaster prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Pinus pinaster need?
Pinus pinaster is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Pinus pinaster hardy in the UK?
Pinus pinaster has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Pinus pinaster?
Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring.
