Chilgoza Pine Data Sheet

• Common name: Chilgoza pine

• Latin name: Pinus Gerardiana

• Genus: Pinus

• Height: 20 - 25 m

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 4–8

• Conservation status: Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)

Pinus Gerardiana is commonly known as the Chilgoza pine, is a conifer native to the Northwestern Himalayas in Afghanistan. Its range extends across Pakistan and northern India.

This tree is generally found at medium to high altitudes, mostly from 1,800 m to 3,300 m (10,800 ft).

Chilgoza pine is a small to medium conifer reaching a height of 25 m (82 ft). This species tends to branch more than other pines. The bark is a green colour in the first few years, then plates of bark begin flaking off revealing a decorative multi colored pattern, very similar to the Lacebark Pine. Colors range from rusty reds, many shades of brown to green and creamy white shades. The needles are 6 - 10cm long and arranged in sets of 3. Needle colour is lime green when young changing to dark green at maturity. The cones are oval and 10 - 18 cm long with scales, which each have a sharp point at the top. There are winged seeds behind each scale. The cones begin life green, maturing to a light brown colour.

The Chilgoza pine is closely related to the Lacebark pine, which all share many of its characteristics, including the colorful peeling bark.

This is a fantastic tree for ornamental landscaping given the nature of the bark. It can be planted in large patio planters. Lacebark pine is a slow growing tree making it ideal for gardens. This is a good tree for bonsai growing.

Growth Habit

Chilgoza pine shoot growth usually starts in February and continues until September. Yearly height increases of 0.4–0.8 ft are common beyond season 3.

These were sown this year. Plants are 2 inches tall.

Saplings are in pots. I recommend they are separated into their own 4" pots when you receive them. Growth rate is medium. Plants can be kept in a cool conservatory, windowsill or outside over the winter months.

Fully hardy off to minus 18°C or colder come autumn.

Care Instructions

Keep free from competing weeds and never allow to completely dry out. Water logging should also be avoided. Trees will perform best raised outdoors in full sunny position. The growth rate is medium and will soon need re-potting to beyond a 10" pot. Once the trees reach around 1 ft high they can be set in their final planting position.

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