Sciadopitys verticillata

Japanese umbrella pine is an exquisite-looking conifer with dark green needles. They are glossy, 5-12 cm long and grow in whorls of 15-20. They are borne at the shoot-tips like the spokes of an umbrella, hence it name.

In Japan it grows some 10m tall, however, in our climate you can count on 2-4m, conditions pending, and not more that 2m wide. Its shape is strictly pyramidal though it may need several years to develop a central leader that will make the tree look symmetrical.

It will be happiest in semi-shade or filtered sun. You can place it in full sun, too, and provide some midday shade. Though, we grow it in full sun and it does pretty well. In winter it gains bronze colour which is its protection from the cold. The soil should be moist but well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic. Reasonable fertilizing will help it grow strong and keep a good colour, excess fertilizing may result in too long shoots that will be damaged by frosts. Full hardy to min. -29°C, perhaps more (USDA zone 5).

Last update 13-04-2008.