Overview
Pinus sylvestris is a columnar upright conifers in the genus Pinus, part of the Pinaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around Higher than 12 metres tall and wider than 8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 20-50 years. Pinus sylvestris grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is drought resistant and low maintenance. Suggested uses include coastal and wildlife gardens. It is native to Eurasia.
About
Pinus sylvestris is a substantial evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 25 meters. The upper trunk and branches feature an orange-brown coloration, forming an irregular and visually interesting shape as the tree ages. The needles are grey-green and grow in pairs, while the cones measure approximately 5 centimeters in length.
About the genus
The genus Pinus comprises both shrubs and sizable, evergreen trees. Certain species feature notable bark and, as they mature, tend to form an irregular silhouette. The foliage consists of elongated, needle-like leaves arranged in clusters of 2, 3, or 5. Their prominent cones can either drop off or persist on the tree for several years.
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
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Pinus sylvestris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conifers, Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Eurasia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pinus sylvestris
- Cultivation
- Grow in any well-drained soil. Can be used in native plantings. See Trees: buying and planting specimens
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to adelgids, conifer aphid, sawfly larvae, and pine shoot moth
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus and needle cast diseases
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Pinus sylvestris?
Grow in any well-drained soil. Can be used in native plantings. See Trees: buying and planting specimens.
Where is the best place to plant Pinus sylvestris?
Pinus sylvestris prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Pinus sylvestris need?
Pinus sylvestris 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.
How do I prune Pinus sylvestris?
No pruning required.
How big does Pinus sylvestris grow?
Pinus sylvestris reaches a height of Higher than 12 metres and a spread of wider than 8 metres. It takes around 20-50 years to reach full size.
Is Pinus sylvestris hardy in the UK?
Pinus sylvestris has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Pinus sylvestris?
Propagate by seed.