About

A rare, evergreen, coniferous tree, capable of reaching 10m (30ft) high and 6m (20ft) in diameter. They are liberally coated with blobs of resin. The cones appear on relatively young trees and are oval, to cylindrical in shape, pale-brown and around 15-25cm (6-10in) long. Their colour is the main feature of this tree, being blue-green, with pale yellow bands. The needles are thin, hanging and soft to the touch, approximately 10cm (4in) long. The tree forms a broadly conical canopy, with the needles produced in groups of five at the tips of short stems. The bark is smooth and dark grey when young, becoming pale grey and fissured over time.

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 typeTrees, Conifers
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

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
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