About

A handsome Pinus species, with a broadly conical to spreading habit with bundled, needle-like foliage. Decorative cones develop on mature trees, persisting on the branches. Provides year-round structure and evergreen interest. 'Glauca' is a fine specimen tree.

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

Plant details

Suggested usesSpecimen planting, shelterbelts, large gardens. Dwarf cultivars suit rock gardens and containers.

Care notes

CultivationWell-drained, preferably acidic soil in full sun. Most pines are very drought-tolerant once established.
PruningNo regular pruning needed. Remove dead branches. Candle-prune in spring for density on dwarf types.
PropagationSow seed in spring (stratify first). Grafting for cultivars.
Pest resistancePine processionary moth, adelgids, pine shoot beetle. Generally robust.
Disease resistanceDothistroma needle blight, Diplodia tip blight. Good air circulation helps.