Species Scotch pine Guide
Cultivar bearing spreading green branches with short, twisted green needles

Scotch pine

Pinus sylvestris 'Repens'

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

2 - 7

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Acidic, Well-drained

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Scotch pine prefers well-draining soil and light to moderate amounts of watering. Water it thoroughly when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry. You can water the soil around the plant using a garden hose or a watering can. Be sure to spread the water evenly and avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot. It is best to water Scotch pine early in the morning, which gives the plant time to absorb all the water and nutrients before the temperatures get too hot during the day.

sunlight

Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris 'Repens') needs full sun for optimal growth and development. This plant species will thrive in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Additionally, it is best to expose the Scotch pine to the sun for as much of the day as possible, especially during the peak growing season in the summer months. In the colder months, the sun exposure requirement will be slightly lower; however, it is still important to try and ensure at least 4 hours of sun each day.

pruning

Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris 'Repens') should be pruned during the dormant season, which is usually late winter or early spring. Pruning should be done once a year and should be minimal. Cut only unhealthy growth, branches that are crossing each other, and branches that appear too long or out of proportion to the size of the tree. Remove any dead or broken branches and thin out any overly dense parts of the tree, making sure to retain its natural shape. Always cut with sterilized pruning shears so as not to spread disease to the tree.