Species mugo pine

mugo pine

Pinus mugo

Also Known As - Swiss mountain pine
The mugo pine is a low-growing, shrubby species of pine tree that has a slow growth rate. It is native to the mountainous regions of Europe but has been widely planted as an ornamental or for hedging purposes in temperate regions throughout the world. This small, wind-tolerant evergreen tree features dark-green needle-like foliage and tough, scaly bark. When mature, mugo pines have a rounded, globular form and are tolerant of cold weather and drought. This species is ideally suited to rock gardens, foundations and can also be used in areas where a low-maintenance evergreen is desired.

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:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

Mugo pine prefers moist soil, so regular watering is necessary. During the growing season, water small to medium-sized mugo pine every 7-10 days; larger specimens may need watering every 4-5 days in hot, dry summer weather. In the fall, reduce watering to every 2-3 weeks. In winter, the need for water is greatly reduced; water sparingly, if at all. Too much winter water can cause root rot. Mugo pine can tolerate occasional irrigation during prolonged dry spells during winter months, but avoid wetting the foliage.

sunlight

Mugo pine needs full sun exposure to grow properly and thrive. During the spring and summer months, it should receive full sun from 10 AM to 6 PM each day. In the autumn and winter months, mugo pine should receive full sun for at least 5 hours each day. Proper sunlight exposure helps it grow lushly with dense foliage and stay healthy.

pruning

Mugo pine (Pinus mugo) should be pruned twice a year, in late winter and in late summer. When pruning in late winter, cut out any dead, broken, or diseased branches. Also, any branches that are weak, crossed over each other, or rubbing against other branches should be removed. During late summer pruning, shear the entire tree/hedge to create a symmetrical look and to keep it from becoming too large. This species should not be pruned beyond 30% of its total foliage at any 1 time, and take care not to shear it too drastically as this can ruin the appearance of the tree.

Season

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

Mugo pine typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Mugo pine typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map