Do you have little space in your garden but don't want to miss out on the scent and beautiful look of a pine tree? Then a mountain pine is exactly the right variety for your requirements. In addition to the rather small growth habit, the tree sets attractive accents with its eye-catching red and yellow flowers. Although the mountain pine is quite undemanding, you should follow a few tips when caring for it. Here you will find out what is important when it comes to posture.
How do you properly care for a mountain pine?
The mountain pine requires a bright location, sufficient watering from spring to autumn, reduced watering in winter and liquid fertilizer every four to eight weeks from April to September. In addition, the shoot tips should be cut back in spring or early summer to promote optimal growth.
Various posture options
The great thing about a mountain pine is that it has numerous possible uses. The attitude is conceivable
- as Bonsai
- as windbreak
- in the front yard
- as a potted plant on the terrace
- as green roofs
In addition, you have the choice between three subspecies which would be:
- Pinus mugo Turra subsp. mugo, also known as mountain pine, pine or stunted pine
- Pinus mugo subsp. uncinata, also known as spirke, hook pine, upright mountain pine
- Pinus mugo subsp. rotundata, also known as Moorspirke
Several cultivars still exist
Selection of location
The mountain pine feels comfortable in wet to moist, airy soil with an average pH value of 4.5-8. It is important that you provide your mountain pine with enough light. Otherwise, the tree will punish locations that are too shady with unsightly crooked growth.
How to overwinter?
The mountain pine also thrives in cold regions and extreme locations, so that icy temperatures cannot harm it. You can therefore store your mountain pine outside all year round. However, it should be noted that permanent snow cover on the branches often leads to harmful fungal infestation.
Important care measures
Cutting
The mountain pine has very slow growth, which is why pruning is hardly necessary. In addition, shortening these pines is called tweezing. To do this, cut the candles back to half or two-thirds of their length in spring or early summer.
Pouring
Water your mountain pine thoroughly from spring to autumn. This means you water the substrate until it no longer absorbs any liquid. Then let the soil dry slightly. However, it is important to avoid waterlogging, otherwise root rot will quickly occur. In winter, reduce watering.
Fertilize
The mountain pine also develops on nutrient-poor soils, but a little help with liquid fertilizer, which you apply every four to eight weeks from April to September, can't hurt.
