Pinus densiflora 'LOW GLOW'

Japanese red pine is probably the most common pine in Japan. The species grow in the wild, in public places are clipped bonsai trees, and in private gardens you can see many dwarf varieties. Thanks to its dome-shaped crown it is also a sought-after substitute for much more tender Mediterranean pinus pinea.

Low Glow is a naturally occurring witches broom of Japanese red pine. It was found by Sidney Waxman of University of Connecticut, USA, around 1985. It makes about 6 cm long, soft, light green needles in whorls of 2. They are a very handsome fresh green in the season, and turn slightly yellow for winter.

It grows slowly into extremely dense mounding shrubs. Its annual growth of about 5cm is predominantly used to spread to sides, in order to gain some height it is often grafted on stems of various sizes. Very old plants reveal red bark.

Pines need full sun and well-drained soil that will not be too alkaline. No fertilizing required. Pruning is possible in late winter or late summer, never cut into branches which lack needles. You can shape the tree by removing or trimming "candles" - young new shoots before they develop proper-size needles. It is hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5) and this variety is supposed to withstand at least -34°C (USDA zone 4). It is also hardy for growing in a container were it will be prone to lose older needles sooner.

Last update 10-11-2018