Species Swiss stone pine
Compact, pyramidal shape tree with blue-green foliage

Swiss stone pine

Pinus cembra 'Glauca'

Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra 'Glauca') is a hardy ornamental evergreen conifer with a classic pine tree look. Its dark-green needles have a white powder-like underside, consisting of a waxy substance that reflects the sunlight and gives the tree a unique glaucous color. This durable tree grows to heights of 35-50 feet with a rounded open crown. Its preference for sunny sites makes it ideal for adding texture and structure to landscapes with room to grow. Topped with prominent clusters of orange-brown cones, Swiss stone pines provide four-season interest to the garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 7

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Well-drained

Cones:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

The Swiss stone pine should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, and every 2 weeks during the winter. In particularly hot weather or very dry periods, the plant may need to be watered more frequently. Saturate the soil until it is wet to a depth of 8-12 inches and allow time for the soil to dry out before watering again. Make sure not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot, fungus, or other issues.

sunlight

Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra 'Glauca') generally prefers an exposure of full sun or partial shade, with roots ideally in partial shade. For best results, the Swiss stone pine should receive 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight per day throughout the growing season (late spring to early autumn). When the temperature falls in the winter, it is better for the tree to receive more indirect sunlight for the majority of the day. In the early morning hours, a few hours of direct sunlight are sufficient to give the tree an adequate energy boost.

pruning

Swiss Stone Pine (Pinus cembra 'Glauca') should be pruned twice a year for optimal health and growth. Prune in early spring, before new growth begins, and again in late summer or early autumn. During the spring pruning session, any dead, diseased, or broken branches should be removed, and any thin, lanky growth should be selectively thinned to promote a better overall structure. During the late summer or early autumn pruning, any remaining dead, diseased, or broken branches should be removed, and any overly long branches should be shortened back to encourage a fuller, denser appearance. For best results, prune Swiss Stone Pine a little at a time, instead of taking off too much at once.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Pinus cembra 'Glauca' typically starts flowering in late May or early June.

Starts Flowering

Pinus cembra 'Glauca' typically starts flowering in late May or early June.

Hardiness Map