Japanese red pine

Japanese Red Pine needs to be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. During the growing season, water the plant once a week and in summer months twice a week, making sure that the soil is evenly moist but never soggy. During the winter months, cut back on watering to every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the temperature and the amount of sunlight.

Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora 'Alice Verkade') requires full sunlight to thrive. This means it should be planted in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Morning sun is especially beneficial for this pine species as it encourages strong growth and keeps the soil warmer than afternoon sun, which can cause the soil to dry out more quickly. Since Japanese red pine is native to Japan, it is also best to plant it in an area with mild summers since it is not tolerant of intense heat and humidity.

The best time to prune a Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora 'Alice Verkade') is during the winter months, when it is in a semi-dormant state. Pruning should be kept to a minimum and should generally be limited to removing dead or damaged branches, and any suckers that may have grown at the base of the tree. When pruning, the goal should be to maintain the tree’s natural form and characteristic shape. This will allow it to remain healthy and attractive. Make sure to use proper pruning tools and techniques when cutting branches to avoid damage to the tree. It’s important to prune a Japanese red pine tree with care and patience. If you prune too heavily or aggressively, you can damage the tree and reduce its vigor and health.