The black pine is a rare guest in our forests. The Mediterranean coniferous tree is becoming increasingly popular as a decorative house tree. Reason enough to familiarize yourself with the attributes of a Pinus nigra. The following profile provides information that is of interest to hobby gardeners.
At first glance, the black pine is anything but black
systematics and appearance
More and more often we encounter a black pine in parks, in cemeteries or in large gardens. There, the imposing conifer is impressively presented as a solitaire or in a group. These characteristics characterize the tree:
- Belongs to the pine family (Pinaceae)
- Designation of the species: black pine (Pinus nigra), more rarely black pine
- Growth height in culture: 20 to 40 meters
- Tree with two needles, straight growth and a broad, spreading crown
- Deep-rooting plant native to southern Europe
- Green-yellow male and crimson female cones
- Hardy and extremely drought tolerant
The pine species owes its name to the black colored cone scales, which serve as a clear distinguishing feature from other pine plants.
Location and care tips
The black pine will be a topic of much discussion in the future, because hardly any other tree proves to be so easy to care for. In addition, environmental pollution affects a Pinus nigra little, so that the tree becomes more relevant for inner-city planting. The following overview summarizes what needs to be considered when choosing a location and maintaining it:
- Sunny, preferably full sun location
- Thrives in any regular, deep garden soil
- Water only during long periods of drought in summer and winter
- No fertilization required outdoors
- Give liquid fertilizer in the bucket every 4 weeks from April to August
In order to regulate growth and create a dense habit, you can prune the black pine once a year. In the period from mid-May to mid-June, shorten the fresh shoots - called candles - by half. Ideally, the needles are still attached at this point. At the same time, thin out the crown thoroughly.
tips
A black pine has usually completed its growth at the age of 150 years with a height of 40 meters. At this time, a Pinus nigra is still in its teenage years. At the ideal location in the mild Mediterranean climate, an age of 600 to 800 years is not uncommon.