Culture
Grow in medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerant of a variety of soil types, including poor soils, as long as the drainage is good. Plants prefer cool summer climates and dislike the heat and humidity of the deep South. Plants are generally tolerant of urban conditions.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Pinus parviflora, commonly called Japanese white pine, is native to Japan and Korea. It is an evergreen conifer that typically grows to 30-50’ tall in cultivation, but may reach 90’ tall in the wild. Trees have a dense pyramidal habit when young, but with age develop more spreading branching and a flatter top. Often-twisted, green needles (each to 3” long) in bundles of five appear in dense tufts primarily at the branch ends. Needles are white on the interior surfaces. Oval reddish-brown cones (2-3” long) appear solitary or in small clusters, remaining on the tree for up to seven years. Grayish black bark is smooth on young trees but fissures and develops small scales as the tree matures. Green-needled trees are uncommonly seen growing in the U.S., but glaucous-needled trees are popular in areas where they grow well.
Genus name comes from the Latin name for pines.
Specific epithet means with small flowers.
‘Blue Wave’ is an irregular, bushy, semi-upright form with a branching structure that is sometimes described as wavy. It typically rises to 3-4' tall over the first 10 years, eventually maturing to 5-6' tall over time.
Problems
In its native habitat, healthy, well-maintained trees usually have few major problems. Although Japanese white pine may be grown in the St. Louis area, it probably will struggle because of soil, climate and disease susceptibility.
Uses
Dwarf evergreen shrub for sunny areas in the landscape. Specimen or small groups. Rock gardens. Foundations. Patio gardens.