Conifers are definitely an asset to any garden. Just think of the rustling of the needles in the wind, the beautiful growth or the smell of fresh resin. Unfortunately, over the years, most varieties grow to sizes that exceed the space capacities of many plots of land. Not so the mountain pine. Find out here why the conifer is perfect for your garden.
The mountain pine is a beautiful ornament for the garden
Characteristics of the mountain pine
- Latin name: Pinus mugo
- maximum growth height: 10 m
- Usage: single. as an embankment, in a bucket, as a hedge plant (ideal wind protection)
- Location: sunny to semi-shady
- Features: evergreen, hardy, perennial
- Flower: yellow or pink
- Roots: strongly branched, does not form a taproot
- Soil requirements: undemanding
Tips for care
Since a mountain pine is particularly hardy (it can withstand temperatures down to -35°C), it is not necessary to spend the winter indoors. You can confidently put the little tree in the ground. No matter what substrate your garden provides, the mountain pine adapts to the soil conditions.
Since the mountain pine also copes very well with heavy pruning, it is up to you at what height you keep your coniferous tree. Usually the mountain pine grows 7-10 m high in the garden. With a regular cut, it can also be used very well as a hedge plant. Nevertheless, you should pay attention to a few things when cutting, because mistakes only grow out slowly. How to properly trim your mountain pine:
- cut off all old, dried branches in May and June and thin out the coniferous tree thoroughly
- cut the new candles in half
- April is best for pruning, just before the plant sprout. If you are prevented from doing so in the spring, you still have the option of pruning the mountain pine for the rest of the year without causing major damage
special species
A mountain pine is not an everyday garden plant and makes a good impression. Even more beautiful and exquisite are special cultivated forms such as
- the Krummholz mountain pine
- or the mountain pine "winter sun"
The former is very well suited as a hedge plant, as its bushy growth tends to spread in width rather than in height. The "Wintersonne" mountain pine brings color to your garden with its beautiful golden yellow needle dress.
tips
The cones on the needle branches of the mountain pine are a beautiful decoration for Christmas. Simply cut off a few twigs during Advent and decorate them with any Christmas decorations you like.