Coniferous trees are definitely an asset to every garden. Just think of the rustling of the needles in the wind, the beautiful growth or the smell of fresh resin. Unfortunately, over the years, most varieties grow to dimensions that exceed the space capacity of many properties. Not so the mountain pine. Find out here why the conifer is perfect for your garden.
Why is the mountain pine suitable for the garden?
The mountain pine is an ideal conifer for your garden because it is hardy, undemanding and easy to care for. It reaches a maximum height of 10 meters and is suitable as a single plant, for embankments, in a container or as a hedge plant.
Characteristics of mountain pine
- Latin name: Pinus mugo
- maximum height: 10 m
- Use: single. as an embankment, in a bucket, as a hedge plant (ideal wind protection)
- Location: sunny to partially shaded
- Features: evergreen, hardy, perennial
- Flower: yellow or pink
- Root: strongly branched, does not form a taproot
- Soil requirements: undemanding
Care tips
Since a mountain pine is particularly hardy (it can withstand temperatures down to -35°C), it is not necessary to overwinter indoors. You can confidently plant the little tree in the ground. No matter what substrate your garden provides, the mountain pine adapts to the soil conditions. Since the mountain pine can handle heavy pruning very well, it is up to you at what height you keep your conifer. The mountain pine in the garden usually grows to a height of 7-10 m. With regular trimming, it can also be used very well as a hedge plant. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when cutting, because mistakes only grow out slowly. How to properly prune your mountain pine:
- In May and June, cut off all old, dried branches and thin out the conifer thoroughly
- cut the new candles back to half
- April is best for pruning, shortly before the plant sprouts. If you are unable to do so in the spring, you still have the opportunity to prune the mountain pine for the rest of the year without causing major damage to it
Special species
A mountain pine is not an everyday garden plant and makes a real impression. However, special breeding forms such asare even more beautiful and exquisite
- the Krummholz mountain pine
- or the mountain pine “winter sun”
The former is very suitable as a hedge plant because its bushy growth extends more in width than in height. The mountain pine “Wintersonne” brings color to your garden with its beautiful golden yellow needles.
Tip
The cones on the needle-like branches of the mountain pine make a beautiful decoration for Christmas. During Advent, simply cut off a few branches and decorate them with any Christmas decorations.
