Plant, Tree & Shrub Library

Other Names:  Eastern White Pine

Description:

An unusual dwarf variety with a dense, globe-shaped habit of growth when young, broadly pyramidal later; features interesting blue-green needles that are heavily twisted; very compact and slow growing; an excellent home garden accent; needs full sun

Ornamental Features

Mini Twists White Pine is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the garden for its ornamental globe-shaped form. It has powder blue-variegated bluish-green foliage. The twisted needles remain bluish-green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Mini Twists White Pine is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Insects
• Disease

Mini Twists White Pine is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Mini Twists White Pine will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. This is a selection of a native North American species.