January Tree of the Month-Himalayan Pine

I am convinced that there is nothing more beautiful in Mother Nature than snow on evergreens. The latest winter storm offered plenty of opportunities for beauty despite the bitter temps. If your garden has been designed for four-season interest, you’ll be enjoying the view outside from your warm home with coffee or hot cocoa in hand, for the rest of winter, snow or not. For those of you with dormant perennial beds or mixed borders, it might be a great idea to incorporate some evergreens into your spring plans before next winter rolls around again.

Evergreens can come in a range of sizes, so there is one for ANY size garden, patio, or balcony container. At the “large” end of that range, the Himalayan pine, Pinus wallichiana, is a bold yet elegant choice. Closely related to the common white pine, P. strobus December Tree of the Month-Eastern white pine –, the Himalayan pines (sometimes called Himalayan white pine) have a slightly blue cast to their impressively long needles which grow in bundles of five like the white pine. The pinecones are also very similar to white pine, as are the clearly defined “spokes” of branch growth each year, making it very easy to give a fairly accurate age by counting the spokes.

Native to the Himalayas at elevations between 6000-12,000’, where they can grow to 150’, Himalayan pines in cultivation can still soar up to 50’ high and 20-35’ wide, so they need considerable space. Full sun is essential for a full, even canopy, but some protection from winter wind is appreciated. Moist, yet well-drained sandy, slightly acidic soils are preferred, but they seem to do fine in midwestern clay. Despite their native mountainous range, they tolerate the midwestern summers but require additional moisture during dry spells.

Himalayan and white pines are common in the timber industry and are also used to make turpentine. Pines are a top choice for certain moths, such as the Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis), making the addition of one a multi-benefit choice.

What I love about this plant;

-Dramatic, yet elegant, four-season interest.

-Graceful, long needles have a slight blue cast.

-Beautiful as a specimen tree or used in mass plantings to help screen.

-Deer resistant.

-Host to Imperial Moths (Eacles imperialis)

What’s not so great;

– If not protected from winter winds, needles may turn brown.

-Not drought-resistant, do not let dry out, especially in summer.

-Can get large-give it room and check for nearby power lines.

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

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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