Pinus mugo var. pumilio

• Type: Mountain pine
• Latin name: Pinus mugo
• Cultivar: Pumilio
• Mature height: up to 0.8 m
• Width: 2–3 m
• Height when sold: ≈ 30 cm
• Light: sunny
• Winter hardiness: USDA 2–7

Planting Plant in spring (late April – May) or early autumn (August – September) in a spot with enough light and well-drained soil; wet spots with standing water are unsuitable. Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot, mix the excavated soil with compost and sand, set the plant at the same depth it grew in the pot and water generously. Space plants 0.8–1.5 m apart. Mountain pine likes sun and light, well-drained soil.

Watering Water a young plant regularly for the first two years and more often in dry spells; an established plant is fairly drought-tolerant. Mulch the soil with bark or wood chips and give a last watering in autumn before the ground freezes.

Pruning To keep the bush compact, pinch the young shoots ("candles") by half in spring; remove dead branches.

Feeding and winter care Feed in spring with a conifer fertiliser (not after July); give no nitrogen in autumn so the shoots can ripen before winter. The plant is hardy in Estonia; protect a young plant in its first winter with mulch and spruce boughs if needed, and shade it from spring sun.