Pinus sylvestris 'Gold Medal'

RHS Plant Profile
Scots pine 'Gold Medal'
Conifers Shrubs

A compact, evergreen, slow-growing conical shrub with rich gold needles that are at their best during the winter months. Needles are a paler green in the summer. A variety suitable for large rockeries or mixed borders

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or 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
Bushy
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 any well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by grafting in late winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds

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