Pinus densiflora 'Alice Verkade'

RHS Plant Profile

Japanese red pine 'Alice Verkade'

Shrubs Conifers

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A dwarf, low growing form of the typical species, unlikely to reach more than 1.8m (6ft) high and 3m (10ft) wide when fully grown. The soft, long dark green needles are produced radially on branches that form a neat rounded dome, above a trunk on older specimens with attractive reddish-brown bark. Its size and features make the tree a favourite choice for an architectural statement in a smaller city garden. or a border where space is limited.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 2.5-4 metres
Max Height: 1.5-2.5 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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): 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 well-drained, preferably neutral to acidic soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Patio and container plants
Rock garden
Low Maintenance
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