Grow in moist, acidic, 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.
Scotch or Scots pine is a fast-growing, conical to columnar, medium sized, evergreen conifer that features twisted blue-green needles in pairs, flaking orange/red-brown bark and gray to light brown seed cones. It is native to northern Europe and northern Asia. It typically grows 30-60’ tall in cultivation, but may reach 100’ in the wild. It develops an open-rounded, irregular crown as it matures. 'Repens' is slow-growing, low-spreading form that grows to 10-12" tall and to 18" wide over the first 10 years, eventually spreading over time to 8-10' wide or more. Attractive blue-gray needles. Prominent resinous winter buds.
Scotch pine and its cultivars may be grown in the St. Louis area, but they will often struggle because of soil, climate and disease susceptibility. Sphaeropsis (Diplodia) tip blight can be a significant problem in some areas. Watch for pine wilt nematode. Sawflies, moths and scale may also appear.
Low-spreading evergreen for rock gardens, border fronts, slopes, foundations or other small areas of the landscape. Bonsai.
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Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110(314) 577-5100 hours and admission
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Faust Park, 15193 Olive Blvd. Chesterfield, MO 63017(636) 530-0076 hours and admission
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Hwy. 100 & I-44 Gray Summit, MO 63039(636) 451-3512 hours and admission