Digging deeperPlant Library

Other Names:  Scots Pine

Description:

A compact, mounded evergreen garden shrub with short, bluish-green needles, densely held, very slow growing; ideal for detail use in the garden or in rock gardens

Ornamental Features

Dwarf Scotch Pine is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its ornamental globe-shaped form. It has rich green evergreen foliage. The needles remain green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Dwarf Scotch Pine is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Dwarf Scotch Pine is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Dwarf Scotch Pine will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.