February Tree of the Month-Japanese White Pine

Let’s start with an important structure lesson…you have your general ‘Plant-Geeks’ that like plants, gardening, etc. At least, that’s how non-plant-geek would describe them. However, among us Plant-Geeks, there are, as I like to say, “Plant-Sub-Geeks.” Because, as all plant-geeks know, we tend to pick favorites. We specialize. We get “judgy”… opinionated. Once a new Plant-Geek is born, they tend to gravitate toward one type of plant over another. “Tree-Geeks,” “Orchid-Geeks,” or those special people like my husband, “TURF-GEEK.” Some categories overlap, like “natives,” which encompass trees, shrubs, and perennials. Others are more specific. It might be tropical plants. It might be succulents, cacti, or bonsai.

This is why no two gardens are alike, and no two plant-geeks are alike.

For Tree-Geeks and the Plant-Sub-Geek category, Conifer-Geeks, the Japanese white pine, Pinus parviflora, is a true prize. In my garden, a P. parviflora ‘Blue Angel’ is one of my prized plant possessions, and he lives in a prominent spot near the patio and water feature, fully visible from the back windows so I can gaze upon him in any weather while I eat my breakfast.

The foliage is comprised of five needles in a cluster like the closely related white pine, P. strobus, but in a tighter, closer formation giving it a unique texture. The cones also resemble white pine.

In its native habitat of Japan, Korea, and China, it can grow up to 90′ high. It’s closer to 30-50′ in the St. Louis area. Young trees have a nice pyramidal shape that widens as the tree matures into a rounded canopy.

There are about 3 zillion cultivars of Japanese white pine. RESEARCH before you buy to avoid disappointment. Remember, plants do not read plant tags, so leave room for surprises, like when your “dwarf” shrub grows to 20′ next to your gutters, or the “Hardy” on the tag means hardy in Florida, not Florissant.

The Glauca Group includes cultivars with glaucous or blue needles like the “Blue Angel” cultivar pictured in this post.

Dwarf cultivars are often used for bonsai, such as ‘Bergman,’ a slow-growing, multi-leader, dwarf shrub form that typically grows 18″ tall but 36″ wide in 10 years. Adcock’s Dwarf’ is a slow-growing globose form that can make a good foundation plant, growing 3-4′ high and wide over the first 20 years.

Full sun is preferred, but since Japanese white pine doesn’t like excess heat or humidity, some afternoon shade is appreciated. Like other conifers, well-draining soils are a must.

What I like about this plant;

-Outstanding specimen tree.

-Beautiful, blue-tinted foliage on some cultivars.

-Tighter, softer texture compared to other pines.

-Low-maintenance.

-Deer resistant.

-Great winter interest.

What’s not so great;

-Can struggle in heat and humidity. Some late afternoon shade is appreciated.

-Well-drained soil is a must.

Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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