Species Himalayan pine
Long, soft and feathery slender bluish-green needles and elongated, rough-scaly brown cones

Himalayan pine

Pinus wallichiana

Also Known As - Butan pine,blue pine
The Himalayan pine (Pinus wallichiana) is a species of pine tree native to the mountains of Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bhutan. This evergreen conifer can reach heights of up to 30 meters and has a dense, conical form with long-lasting needles and branches that droop and intertwine in complex shapes. These trees are hearty and very hardy, making them a popular choice for shade and timber. Many of these pines can be seen at high elevations, their dark green needles providing a stark contrast against the snow and icy terrain.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 7

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Acidic, Well-drained

Cones:

Yes

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Himalayan pine (Pinus wallichiana) should be watered deeply and infrequently; monthly is ideal. During the growing season, which lasts from spring to late summer, water the plant once or twice a month. However, once temperatures start to cool in the fall, decrease watering to once every 2 to 3 months. The soil should be kept moderately moist but not overly wet. Allow the top couple inches of soil to dry out between waterings. When watering, wet the soil thoroughly, and check that the water is reaching the root zone of the plant. Avoid direct contact between the foliage (needles) and the water.

sunlight

Himalayan pine (Pinus wallichiana) prefers full sunlight and should get approximately 6 to 8 hours a day in order to thrive. This species should get direct sunlight for at least 4 to 6 hours during the growing season when the sun is at its highest in the sky. A location with minimal shade for the majority of the day is necessary for these pines to receive the full benefit of the sun. Additionally, this species of pine benefits from indirect sunlight in the early morning and late evening.

pruning

Himalayan pine (Pinus wallichiana) should be pruned twice a year for the best results. Pruning should be done from late-winter to early spring and again a few weeks before late summer's arrival. Before each pruning period, the tree should be inspected for dead branches and any other damage that needs to be addressed. During the late-winter or early-spring pruning, the tree should be trimmed lightly to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches with too narrow crotches for structural integrity. The overall shape of the tree should also be maintained, and any trimming should be done at angles that promote new growth. During the late-summer pruning, the tree should be trimmed to maintain a desired shape. It should also be thinned to obtain the desired view to the ground or other distant areas. When pruning, make sure to not removes too much of the crown as it can reduce the growth potential of the tree. No more than 20 percent of the tree’s foliage should be removed per year. Pruning can be a delicate process so it's best to enlist the help of a professional arborist.

Season

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

Pinus wallichiana typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map