Species Japanese white pine

Japanese white pine

Pinus parviflora 'Bergman'

Japanese white pine, or Pinus parviflora 'Bergman', is a tree native to Japan and China. Growing up to 25m (80ft) in the wild, this hardy species bears thick, dark green needles that turn straw-colored in winter. It displays small, white flowers in the summer, yielding small, oval cones in autumn. This plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade. Its bark is rough and reddish-brown in color, providing a stunning contrast to the dark green of the needles. Japanese White Pine is suited to both formal and informal landscapes, and can provide an eye-catching presence with its unique shape.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 7

Flowers:

Non flowering Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Well-drained

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Japanese white pine needs to be watered twice a week, or whenever the top 2-3 inches of soil feels dry. Make sure to water slowly and deeply, allowing the water to saturate the first foot of soil. During the summer months, water a bit more often, especially if the area is particularly sunny or windy. Avoid over-watering, as the roots can become saturated and may be prone to rot and other diseases. During the winter months, water less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

sunlight

Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora 'Bergman') needs full sunlight for at least 6 hours a day to ensure it grows and develops properly. Plants in shady areas can struggle to photosynthesize properly, resulting in spindly growth. However, some summer afternoon shade may be necessary in hot climates in order to prevent scorching of the foliage.

pruning

Japanese white pine is a slow-growing plant species that requires little pruning, but the following guidelines should be followed: Pruning should be done during late winter or early spring, before the new growth begins. Pruning should be limited to removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Additionally, the dead inner foliage should be removed to improve the shape and density of the tree. Avoid pruning too close to the main trunk and avoid pruning more than about 1-third of the tree’s growth in any single year. Japanese white pine has a tendency to form a bushy shape and it is best to prune only the top portion of the tree to maintain desired shape. It is important to use sharp pruning tools and make clean cuts to avoid any diseases and stress to the plant.

Season

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

Pinus parviflora 'Bergman' typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map