About
Pinus radiata, the Monterey pine, is a vigorous, evergreen conifer making a large tree to 30 m or more, developing a broad, rounded crown with maturity. Dense, dark-green, three-needled foliage and persistent, conical-ovoid cones to 15 cm long are characteristic. A fast-growing and ornamental pine for a large, 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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCoastal
Native toUSA (California), Mexico
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil. Suitable for coastal areas. Fast growing. See Trees: buying and planting specimens
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