Overview
Pinus sylvestris 'Viridis Compacta' is a columnar upright conifers in the genus Pinus, part of the Pinaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Pinus sylvestris 'Viridis Compacta' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include coastal, wildlife gardens, low maintenance and hedging and screens.
About
Pinus sylvestris 'Viridis Compacta' is a cultivar of the Pinus genus, which includes both shrubs and sizeable evergreen trees known for their needle-like foliage and prominent cones. This particular cultivar has a columnar upright habit and retains its evergreen foliage throughout the year. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for acidic conditions. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for various garden aspects and exposures, making it a versatile choice for coastal, wildlife, and low-maintenance gardens, as well as for hedging and screening.
About the genus
A pine is any conifer in the genus Pinus of the family Pinaceae. Pinus is the sole genus in the subfamily Pinoideae. The species are evergreen trees or shrubs with their leaves in bunches, usually of 2 to 5 needles.
Wikipedia contributors, "Pine", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pine
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
- South-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Pinus sylvestris 'Viridis Compacta' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conifers
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance, Hedging and screens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pinus sylvestris 'Viridis Compacta'
- Propagation
- Seed, Grafting
- Pest resistance
- Adelgids, Conifer aphid, Sawfly larvae, Pine shoot moth
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Needle cast diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pinus sylvestris 'Viridis Compacta'?
Pinus sylvestris 'Viridis Compacta' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Pinus sylvestris 'Viridis Compacta' need?
Pinus sylvestris 'Viridis Compacta' 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.
Is Pinus sylvestris 'Viridis Compacta' hardy in the UK?
Pinus sylvestris 'Viridis Compacta' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Pinus sylvestris 'Viridis Compacta'?
Seed, Grafting.
More in the Pinus genus
- Pinus peuce 'Latgale'Macedonian Pine

- Pinus pinasterMaritime Pine

- Pinus sylvestris 'Edwin Hillier'silver Scots pine
