About

A dwarf, slow-growing, evergreen conifer, which produces a compact, flattened, globe to dome-shaped bush, reaching about 60cm (2ft) high and across after ten years. Its small size, means it is an excellent choice for a small, city or courtyard garden, where an architectural, or evergreen focal point is needed. They keep their colour throughout the year. The thicker than ususal, short, stiff needles, are produced in bunches of five at the tips of the stems and are blue-green in colour with silver undersides. It has a neat, densely branching habit.

About the genus

Pinus can be shrubs or large, evergreen trees, some species with attractive bark, developing an irregular outline with age and bearing long needle-like leaves in bundles of 2, 3 or 5; conspicuous cones may fall or remain on the tree for years

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs, Conifers
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained, preferably neutral to acidic soil in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings, by hardwood cuttings, or 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