About

Pinus sylvestris, the Scots pine, is a medium to large, long-lived, evergreen conifer developing a distinctive, open, irregular crown with age. The characteristic orange-red, flaking bark in the upper crown, twisted, paired, blue-grey needles and small, ovoid, pale-brown cones make this a quintessential British landscape tree. A rewarding and architectural pine for a well-drained, sunny garden or landscape.

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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeTrees, Conifers
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates coastal positions well
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by grafting in late winter
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