Species eastern white pine
black-gray, woody trunk with blue-green foliage

eastern white pine

Pinus strobus 'Blue Shag'

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus 'Blue Shag') is a vigorous, evergreen conifer with attractive blue-green needles. Its cascading, feathery branches are an arresting sight in any garden. The needles, which grow in clusters, are usually 2 to 5 inches long and have an aromatic smell. This variety has an extreme tolerance for cold temperatures and can survive even in zones 2 and 3 with minimal protection. It is fairly drought-tolerant but performs best in moist, well-drained soil. The 'Blue Shag' is an excellent choice for a specimen tree in a residential landscape, providing year-round beauty with ease.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Rocky

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The eastern white pine (Pinus strobus 'Blue Shag') prefers well-drained soil and moderate amounts of watering. Water the tree deeply twice per week during the growing season and once per week during the winter. When establishing the tree, water it until the soil is saturated. During periods of extreme heat, increase the watering to 3 times per week. Avoid overwatering the eastern white pine (Pinus strobus 'Blue Shag') to prevent root rot and other issues. During periods of drought, water the plant deeply every 4-7 days, as needed.

sunlight

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus 'Blue Shag') should receive at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight per day. For optimal growth and health, Eastern White Pine should receive 5-6 hours of direct sunlight during the growing season, and less in the winter months when plants are dormant. It can tolerate partial shade, but will grow more slowly.

pruning

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus 'Blue Shag') is a low-maintenance evergreen that requires very little pruning for its health and lifespan. Generally, pruning should begin in late winter or early spring while the tree is still dormant. Pruning away dead or diseased branches is necessary for the health of the tree. Some light thinning may also be necessary to help the tree maintain its shape. Branches may be trimmed to reduce the height of the tree or to open up the canopy to allow in more light. Pruning should be minimal and moderate with no more than 10-15% of the total foliage removed each year to reduce stress to the tree.

Season

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

Eastern white pine typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map