This low, spreading, little-known evergreen from East Asia is as handsome as the popular Mugho pine (Pinus mugo), but less trouble-prone.
The long, rigid, dark blue-green needles of this shrubby pine occur in bundles of five. They densely clothe the ascending to prostrate branches. In spring, plants produce clusters of tiny male cones and egg-shaped female cones near the branch tips. The erect cones are sheathed with fleshy, resinous green scales that turn woody and brown (or purple) as they mature. The scales remain closed, relying on browsing animals to release the seeds.This slow-growing pine eventually forms a broad, low to tall shrub.
This lovely and adaptable pine does best in full sun and well-drained, humus-rich soil. It fares poorly in parched, hot climates. It makes an excellent subject for mixed borders, foundation plantings, rock gardens, and bonsai. It is little troubled by the pests and diseases that plague the often overused Mugho pine. (source: learn2grow.com)
Genus - Pinus
Species - Pumila
Common name - Japanese Stone Pine
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 3 - 7
Height - 6'-20' / 1.80 - 6 m
Spread - 30' / 9 m
Plant type - Shrub
Vegetation type - Evergreen
Exposure - Full Sun
Growth rate - Slow
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral
Soil type - Loam, Sand, Well Drained
Water requirements - Average Water
Landscape uses - Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
Germination rate - 90%
Leaf / Flower color - Green / --