About
Pinus pinaster, the maritime pine, is an evergreen conifer forming a large, open-crowned tree with a long, clear trunk. The paired, stiff needles to 25 cm long and rich-brown, woody cones to 15 cm long that remain on the tree for many years are characteristic features. A dramatic and ornamental 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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitColumnar upright, Bushy
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full heightMore than 50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal
Native toEurope Mediterranean
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well drained soil in full sun. See Trees: buying and planting specimens
PruningGenerally, no pruning required. Remove competing leaders and, on older trees, crown lift as necessary by removing some of the lower branches to reveal the trunk
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in late winter. Retain in pots for at least two years
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