pine

This evergreen family produces an assortment of small to medium size shrubs up to large coniferous trees. The needles of this family are born in bundles and may vary in shades of green, blue and variegated. Trees tend to grow in a pyramidal form, sometime flat topped, or with weeping habits. Shrub types, like Mugo Pine, form prostrate to round, mounded habits. Slow growing, but also extremely cold hardy, and can be used as a very effective natural screen, specimen, Christmas tree, or for smaller species, a foundation, container or bank cover plant.

Plant in well-drained, amended soil. Water well after planting; maintain 1” of water once a week the first year. Little pruning needed; shapes itself nicely. Remove dead or damaged branches at any time. Prune or shear after new “candle” growth that has developed in late spring to early summer. Fertilize in early spring, mid-summer and fall with an acidic fertilizer. Follow label instructions. Mulch 2″ to suppress weeds, retain moisture and protect against extremes of soil temperature.