Sciadopitys verticillata 'STERNSCHNUPPE' Japanese umbrella pine

Sternschnuppe is a Japanese umbrella pine variety which belongs among the dwarf cultivars that grow more slowly than the species, yet in full maturity still exceed the scale of an ordinary garden gnome, hat included. It is easily recognised by its shorter, visibly flatter needles, which densely clothe the shoots and, together with the short annual increments, create a compact, almost congested habit. The needles are evergreen, characteristically fleshy and soft, usually 4 to 5 cm long, deep green and glossy, giving the entire plant a distinctly sculptural, almost carved appearance. Growth is consistently even, without any tendency to thin out or become irregular, and the plant naturally develops a slender, conical outline. In gardens, a typical size ranges between 2 and 3 metres in height and around 1.5 metres in width, however, under ideal soil and climatic conditions it can reach up to twice these dimensions, as we observed at the German rhododendron nursery H. Hachmann, where stable moisture (of soil as well as air humidity), nutrient-rich heathland loam and less significant temperature fluctuations create near-optimal growing conditions.

The cultivar was introduced around 1992 by the Wittboldt-Müller nursery in Verden, near Hamburg in northern Germany, where it was given the name ‘Sternschnuppe’, meaning “shooting star”. The name most likely refers to the chance nature of its origin, as it was discovered as a solitary mutation of the botanical species rather than the result of deliberate breeding.

In the garden, ‘Sternschnuppe’ forms a smaller, relatively slender but long-lived specimen tree suited to small and medium-scale settings, one whose soft, tactile needles invite you to reach out and touch it whenever you pass by. It fits naturally into calm parts of the garden, along paths, near terraces or in collection plantings of slow-growing woody plants. It combines particularly well with shrubs, small trees and more expressive perennials that play with contrasting textures, such as Mexican orange blossom, Japanese maples, pieris, leucothoe, evergreen ferns or dwarf conifers of differing colours and forms.

Despite its exotic appearance, the Japanese umbrella pine is far from delicate. With a well‑chosen site, it requires little care beyond watering during the first year after planting. The key is an acidic, humus‑rich, well‑drained soil with even moisture, avoiding both prolonged waterlogging and drought; permanent mulching is ideal. It thrives best in a sunny position, and, in moist soil, it even tolerates midday scorching sun. It can also be grown in shade, where it tends to stretch toward the light and becomes slimmer and thinner. Exposed, windy sites are unsuitable: not only do the soft branches bend with the wind, but needle drop often occurs. Fertilization is not essential, though it can be beneficial. Pruning is unnecessary but possible on late winter; careful nurseries often use it to produce compact, dense plants at saleable sizes. Older literature frequently describes the species as poorly hardy, but this no longer reflects current experience or modern sources. Practical experience shows that it can withstand several days of frost down to −27 °C without damage, and some modern databases even place it in USDA hardiness zones 4b to 5 (down to −32 °C). The Japanese umbrella pine is also exceptionally long‑lived, capable of surviving for several centuries while retaining its stable form and vitality. It is not a tree for quick results, but a calm, enduring presence in the garden – one whose value increases with time.

Last update 13-02-2013; 19-02-2026