Sciadopitys verticillata 'BEAUTY GREEN'

Japanese umbrella pine is an exquisite-looking conifer resembling pine thanks to its needles but botanically it has nothing in common with them. There are quite a few varieties available in the trade now that will fit even a small garden. Beauty Green is one of them.

It is a slow growing, evergreen conifer with rich green, flattened, glossy, succulent needles. It forms a conical shape with a wide base and a distinct tip. It was selected by a German nursery Carstens in 1998 and introduced to the green market in 2005. Its ultimate size is not know yet, obviously, but is expected to stop at about 3m.

Japanese umbrella pines are said to do best in semi-shade or filtered sun, however, we experienced best results when grown in full sun and moist but well-drained, medium-fertile, slightly acidic soil. In winter it may gain bronze shades which manifests withdrawal of chlorophyll. This is a common procedure the plant does to protect itself from excess cold. In spring it will turn back rich green again. Reasonable fertilizing will help it grow stronger and keep a good colour, over fertilizing may result in too long, unsightly shoots prone to frost damage. Full hardy to min. -29°C, perhaps more (USDA zone 5).

Last update 13-02-2013