Native to coastal Japan, South Korea, and northeastern China, the Black Pine has adapted to a wide range of landscape environments. They can grow as tall as 100 feet, with a branch spread as wide as 30 feet. Or they can be trained over many years to grow in the miniature form of classic bonsai trees. Black Pines make excellent houseplants and ornamental trees in outdoor landscapes and gardens.

The bark of the Black Pine slowly transforms from gray to black as it ages. Its needle-like leaves are a rich green in color, and the branches grow upward at a sharp angle, in bushy clumps. In the spring, the Black Pine produces both female flowers that are red and egg-shaped and reddish-yellow male flowers that perch on the branch tips.

Because the Black Pine has a high tolerance for salt spray and soil, it is an excellent landscaping choice for seaside property. Mature trees are drought-tolerant.

Growing Tips*

• Plant in full sunshine to partial shade outdoors. Indoor plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Performs well in a number of soil conditions (e.g. acidic, alkaline sandy, loam, clay) as long as the soil is kept moist and well-drained.
• For the first year, in the absence of rain, water weekly after planting outdoors. For indoor plants in containers, let the soil dry out before watering.
• Fertilize outdoor trees in the spring, if needed, after soil testing or if the needles are turning yellow. Fertilizer trees in containers every two weeks during the growing season.
• Prune from fall to early winter when the sap is low.

*These Growing Tips are general in nature. Environments and conditions vary. For specific advice on your growing environment, talk to one of our specialists at a Ko’olau Farmers near you.

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