dwarf mountain pine

Dwarf mountain pine should be watered every 7 to 10 days during the summer months, or when the soil in the container feels dry at the 2-inch depth. In winter, water plants only when the soil feels dry to the touch, reducing the watering schedule to every 2 to 3 weeks. Newly planted trees require consistent watering for the first 2 to 3 years in order to establish a proper root system. When irrigating, provide a thorough soak while avoiding oversaturation. Soil should be completely moist and soft, but not wet and soggy. Make sure to water the root zone and not just the energy of the plant.

Pinus mugo 'Paul's Dwarf' grows best with full sun exposure, depending on what time of year. In summer, Dwarf Mountain Pine should be exposed to 8 or more hours of direct sunlight per day. This will help its compact dense structure, and enhance its rich green color of the foliage. In winter, the plant will still need some sunlight, but a little less than in the summer - 6 or 7 hours of direct sunlight daily is fine from November through February (the plant is quite hardy and can handle cold temperatures in this range). Of course, conditions may vary depending on where the plant is planted.

For Dwarf Mountain Pines (Pinus mugo 'Paul's Dwarf'), pruning is generally recommended 2-3 times a year. The first pruning should occur shortly after planting, when the tree is still young, to shape the branches and form an attractive shape. This should be done again after the tree begins to grow actively in early spring, and finally in late spring before the tree begins to fruit or flower. Pruning should be kept to a minimum, and should mostly consist of pruning dead, diseased or damaged branches, as well as controlling size and shape. When pruning, remove no more than a third of the shoots at 1 time so as not to shock the tree into a prolonged period of recovery.