Japanese Red Pine Data Sheet

• Common name: Japanese red pine

• Latin name: Pinus Densiflora

• Genus: Pinus

• Height: 35 m (121 ft)

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 8

• Conservation status: Least concern (IUCN 3.1)

Pinus Densiflora is commonly known as the Japanese red pine, is a conifer native to Asia. Its range extends across southern China, Korea, Japan and South East Russia.

This tree is generally found at low to medium altitudes, mostly from 1,500 m (4,900 ft) to 2,000 m (6,600 ft).

The Japanese red pine is a medium to large sized tree with a large crown, reaching a height of 35 m (121 ft). The bark is grey-orange and very thick and scaled. The needles are arranged in pairs and are 8 - 12 cm long with a mild to rich dark green colour. The mature pine cones are deep brown in colour and scaled. The 4-7 cm long cones have a winged seed behind each scale. The cones take around 20 months to mature from pollination, immature cones have a light lime green colour.

It can live up to 800 years.

The Japanese red pine is closely related to the Scots pine, which all share many of its characteristics minus the blue coloration. Trees can gain a yellowish tinge in winter.

The timber from this species is used for paper making. The needles are used for adding flavor to tea. This tree is a good choice for garden landscaping as it has a thick wide crown. It is very popular with bonsai growers too.

Growth Habit

Shoot growth usually starts in February and continues until September. Yearly height increases of 10–30 cm are common in season 2 under the right conditions.

These were sown this year and are now prepping for their winter slumber. Plants are 2 - 3" tall.

Saplings are in pots. I recommend that they are separated into individual pots upon receipt.

Fully hardy off to minus 21°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.