Common Name: dwarf Siberian pine
Type: Needled evergreen
Family: Pinaceae
Native Range: Northeastern Asia
Zone: 4 to 7
Height: 1.00 to 9.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 12.00 feet
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Bloom Description: Non-flowering
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Leaf: Evergreen
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerate: Deer, Clay Soil
Culture
Grow in moist, well-drained loams in full sun. Tolerant of a wide range of soils, including both sandy and clay soils. Avoid poorly-drained wet soils. These trees prefer cool summer climates. They generally dislike the heat and humidity of hot and humid summer locations such as the St. Louis area.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Pinus pumila, commonly called dwarf Siberian pine, also commonly known as Japanese stone pine, is a shrubby sometimes prostrate pine that is native to eastern Asia. It grows to 1-9' tall. Blue-green needles (to 3" long) in bundles of five. Immature purple-violet seed cones (1-2" long) mature to reddish brown. Similar in appearance to Pinus cembra, and was at one time considered to be a form of that species.
Genus name comes from the Latin name for pines.
Specific epithet means dwarf.
Problems
This pine can be difficult to grow well in the St. Louis area because of soil and climate. It is susceptible to tip blight, rusts and rots. Pine needle scale can be a serious problem in some areas. Sawflies, moths and borers may appear.
Uses
Accent. Rock gardens or shrub borders.