Pinus yunnanensis

RHS Plant Profile
Yunnan pine
Trees Conifers

A fast-growing, evergreen, coniferous tree, capable of reaching 30m (100ft) high, with a trunk around 1.2m (4ft) in diameter, when mature. The bark is smooth when young and grey-brown, becoming vertically fissured and scaly with age. The tree forms a broadly conical canopy, with the needles produced in groups of usually two but sometimes three, at the tips of the stems. They can be up to 30cm (12in) long and hang elegantly on the tree. They are pale green in colour. The cones are oval to conical in shape, up to 11cm (4½in) long and brown when mature.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Pinaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
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
China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, preferably neutral to acidic soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by semi-ripe cuttings, by hardwood cuttings, or by grafting, see: trees and shrubs from seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance

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