Mountain pine
Pinus uncinata · Pinaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around mountain pine and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Type of conifer
- Pine (Pinus)
- Adult size
- 8 to 25 m tall depending on conditions
- Growth
- Moderate to slow
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to −25 °C)
- Origin
- Mountains of central and western Europe
- Soil
- Well-drained, undemanding
Care
Exposure
Plant your mountain pine in full sun, where it receives at least 6 hours of direct light daily. It tolerates exposed, windy situations well, characteristic of its natural mountain habitat.
Soil
This pine adapts to poor, rocky, or chalky soils. Excellent drainage is essential to prevent root asphyxiation. No organic matter is needed.
Watering
Once established, mountain pine is very drought-tolerant. Water only during prolonged dry spells. Young plants in their first summer will benefit from moderate, regular watering.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is necessary. This mountain conifer thrives in naturally poor environments and requires no regular feeding.
Pruning and maintenance
Pruning is not essential; mountain pine naturally adopts a harmonious form. You can remove dead or malformed branches in late winter. Avoid severe pruning, which heals poorly.
Diseases and pests
Very robust, mountain pine is rarely affected by disease. Watch for pine processionary caterpillars in regions where this pest is present, and root rot in overly wet soil. Good drainage prevents most problems.
Did you know?
Mountain pine owes its scientific name 'uncinata' to the characteristically curved shape of its small cones, which resemble tiny hooks. This alpine tree plays a crucial ecological role in stabilizing high-altitude slopes and resisting avalanches, making it a valuable ally for protecting alpine hillsides.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Norway sprucePicea abies
- Aleppo PinePinus halepensis
- Stone PinePinus pinea
- Silver firAbies alba
- European larchLarix decidua
- Austrian black pinePinus nigra
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.