Other Names:  Scots Pine

Description:

This rugged, very slow growing pine makes a humpy, flat top or nested shape; green foliage is dense with a chunky look for a strongly textured shape; an excellent border or landscape accent

Ornamental Features

Polo Scotch Pine is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its interestingly mounded form. It has rich green evergreen foliage. The needles remain green throughout the winter. The shaggy orange bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Polo Scotch Pine is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a mounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Polo Scotch Pine is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Polo Scotch Pine will grow to be about 4 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 80 years or more.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.