Pinus thunbergii, Japanese Black Pine makes an interesting architectural addition to the home landscape and is February's plant of the month at the Wilson Display Garden at 1806 S. Goldsboro Street. A picture of and past plants of the month can be found on the internet at http://wilson.ces.state.nc.us/staff/clauderd/plantofthemonth.html

Japanese Black Pine grows 20 to 40 feet in height with variable spread. In youth it grows artistically uneven with more or less a pyramidal outline. Young trees can be pruned so the plant will be denser, if desired. As the tree ages, the branches often spread and are pendulous.

The Japanese Black Pine has a medium growth rate and handsome blackish-gray bark. As the tree ages the bark gains an interesting texture. The needles are a dark green and are 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches long. The buds (candles or new growth) are silvery white and very prominent.

This tree can be transplanted either from a balled and burlapped or containerized specimen. It grows best in moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Many times people ask me how can a soil be both moist and well-drained. The soil needs to be able to hold moisture but not remain wet. Japanese Black Pines have been grown on sandy sites for dune restoration. It is quite tolerant of salt spray and therefore does well at the beach. It grows best in full sun and shows heat and drought tolerance.

The down side of this plant is after 5 to 10 years it tends to develop branch dieback. So it is a relatively short lived tree in the landscape. It tends to live longer in cooler climates.

There are many different cultivars of this plant such as 'Compacta' with has a more dense, shrub-like growth habit. 'Majestic Beauty' is a Monrovia introduction and 'Oculuc Draconis' has a yellow variegation.

This plant is a must in a Japanese garden or can be use as a bonsai. Even though it is a short lived plant it will give the landscape and gardener several years of enjoyment and should be included more often.

Come out and see the Wilson Display Garden this winter. The garden will give you ideas on what to include in your garden to have an interesting winter landscape.

Date Created: 1/29/01.