Pinus sylvestris

RHS Plant Profile
Scots pine

Other common names

Archangel redwood, Baltic redwood, bish apples, European turpentine, Norway fir, red deal, Scotch fir, Scotch pine, Scots fir, yellow deal

Conifers Trees

A large, evergreen tree to 25m, with the upper trunk and branches orange-brown, developing a picturesque, irregular outline with maturity. Twisted grey-green needles are borne in pairs. Cones 5cm in length

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Pinaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Pinus can be shrubs or large, evergreen trees, some species with attractive bark, developing an irregular outline with age and bearing long needle-like leaves in bundles of 2, 3 or 5; conspicuous cones may fall or remain on the tree for years
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Eurasia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil. Can be used in native plantings. See Trees: buying and planting specimens

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to adelgids, conifer aphid, sawfly larvae, and pine shoot moth

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus and needle cast diseases