Culture
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates some light afternoon shade, particularly in hot summer climates.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Pinus densiflora, commonly called Japanese red pine, is a large pine native to rocky slopes, hillsides, and lakeshores in Japan, Korea, northeastern China and far southeastern Russia. It will soar to 100’ in the wild, but in cultivation is more likely to reach 40-60’ tall. This pine has a medium growth rate in its early years (to 12” per year). It is noted for its irregular but frequently graceful form and its flaky, orange-red bark. Often multi-trunked at the base, this tree features a broad-rounded shape, horizontally spreading branching and a somewhat flattened mature crown. Trunks are often crooked or leaning. Bark matures to gray-fissured at the base. Bright green needles (to 3-5” long) appear in bundles of two. Oval to oblong cones (to 2” long) are often plentiful. Needles may yellow in winter.
Genus name comes from the Latin name for pines.
Specific epithet means densely-flowered, which, although this plant is non-flowering, refers to the abundant production of small cones.
‘Umbraculifera’ (also commonly called ‘Tanyosho’) is a slow-growing dwarf cultivar that is grown as either a small tree or shrub. As the cultivar name suggests, it is noted for its umbrella-like crown. It may reach 15’ tall after 30 years. The type of rootstock used may in large part determine the mature size of the plant. Some nurseries sell Pinus densiflora ‘Umbraculifera Nana’ as an even smaller dwarf cultivar that only grows to about 6’ tall. As with the species, ‘Umbraculifera’ is noted for its orange-red bark and abundant production of small seed cones. Often multi-trunked at the base, this plant features a broad-rounded shape, dense upright-spreading branching and an umbrella crown. Bright green needles (to 3-5” long) appear in bundles of two. Oval to oblong cones (to 2” long) are often plentiful. Needles may yellow in winter.
Problems
Healthy, well-maintained trees in their native environment usually have few major problems. Most pines can be difficult to grow well in the St. Louis area in large part because of soil and climate.
Uses
Foundations, small areas around the home. Also used for bonsai.