Pinus pinea

Price range: €450.00 through €805.00

Description

Quick Facts
  • Botanical Name: Pinus pinea
  • Common Name: Stone Pine / Umbrella Pine / Italian Stone Pine
  • Plant Type: Evergreen conifer tree
  • Mature Size (in ground): Approx. 8–15m+ H x 6–12m W (slow to moderate; much slower in pots)
  • Foliage: Blue-green needles; distinctive architectural silhouette with age
  • Position: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates poorer, sandy soils once established
  • Hardiness: Best in sheltered, milder spots (coastal/south-facing gardens ideal)
  • Best Use: Mediterranean-style gardens, feature planting, large pots, courtyards, contemporary landscapes

Description

Pinus pinea is pure Mediterranean atmosphere in tree form. When it’s young it’s neat and conical, but with time it develops that iconic, umbrella-like crown—instantly evocative of sun-warmed terraces, gravel courtyards, and long summer evenings outdoors.
Even before it reaches its mature shape, it brings a calm, architectural presence: blue-green needles, strong structure, and a silhouette that looks beautiful against sky and stone. It’s a wonderful statement tree for a warm, sheltered garden, and it also performs brilliantly in a large container where its growth stays slower and more controlled.

Where to Plant

  • Feature tree: A single Pinus pinea can anchor a whole design
  • Courtyards & contemporary gardens: Pairs beautifully with grasses, olives, rosemary, lavender, and pale stone
  • Large pots: Ideal for patios and terraces (choose a heavy pot for stability)
  • Coastal/sheltered gardens: Especially good where winters are milder and winds are less harsh

How to Care

  • Watering:
    • In the ground: water well in the first year; drought-tolerant once established
    • In pots: water regularly in warm weather—don’t let it dry out completely
  • Soil & drainage: Excellent drainage is essential; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground
  • Feeding: A light spring feed for conifers (or a general slow-release feed in pots)
  • Pruning: Minimal—remove any dead/damaged growth; avoid hard pruning into old wood
  • Winter protection (young trees/pots): In colder or very exposed sites, provide shelter from harsh winds and prolonged frost; ensure pots drain freely

Why We Love It

  • Instant Mediterranean character—architectural and timeless
  • Evergreen structure all year round
  • Great in pots for a high-end terrace look
  • Low-fuss once established, as long as drainage is right

Caragh Garden Notebook

If you’re building a “holiday-at-home” corner, this is one of the best starting points. Give it sun, sharp drainage, and a beautiful pot or gravel mulch, and it will reward you with that relaxed, sculptural presence that makes a garden feel like a destination.

Additional information

Pot Size

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