Pinus cembra 'Stricta'

RHS Plant Profile
Arolla pine 'Stricta'
Trees Conifers

A slow growing, fastigiate form of the typical species, growing into a narrowly conical shrub up to 6m (20ft) tall and a spread in excess of 2.5m (8ft) when mature. The evergreen, dark-green needles are soft, thin, glossy and densely produced, giving the tree a ruffled texture from a distance. The tree does not typically have a clear, visible trunk until quite old, but instead the canopy exists from the tree's apex to ground level, with the tree retaining its lower branches for much longer than other pines. The tree is primarily grown for its architectural shape and texture as the bark and cones are of little ornamental significance

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
8-12 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
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

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

Propagation

Propagate by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • 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