Pinus parviflora Glauca Group

RHS Plant Profile
Japanese white pine Glauca Group

Synonyms

Pinus parviflora f. glauca

Trees Conifers

An evergreen coniferous tree capable of reaching 10-15m (33-50ft) high and as much across. when mature. The trees have a densely conical profile when young, but as they mature their shape becomes more spreading. The bark is smooth and greyish-black when young but becomes fissured on older trees. The silvery blue-green needles are stiff and produced in groups of five at the tips of new stems. They are approximately 7.5cm (3in) long and somewhat twisted, giving the trees canopy a ruffled texture. The cones are oval and reddish brown, and produced either singly, or in small clusters and can persist on the tree for around six or seven years, so that over the years, the accumulated numbers of cones remaining on older trees can be very noticeable.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

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

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–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
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
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
Accepted

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
  • Patio and container plants
  • 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