Pinus Sylvestris

Pinus sylvestris is native to all of Eurasia and stretches from the Arctic Circle in the north to the south of Turkey and from the West of Europe to Asia in the East. It is, perhaps surprisingly, given the large number of conifers growing in the Uk. the only native Uk conifer. A superb evergreen tree, valued for its beauty as well as considerable commercial uses. Attractive reddish young bark, a distinctive shape, upright with a spreading head, and lovely grey/blue green needles. Produces medium size cones. Once found in large forests across the whole Uk. the only remaining natural forests of this lovely tree are to be found in parts of northern Scotland. A very hardy tree which will grow in almost any soil and location, although in wet acid soils or very chalky ones it will not achieve its maximum size. It can be planted as a specimen tree, or in groups. If you do not wish a full size tree it can be pruned to shape and makes an excellent bonsai plant. If grown in a pot or other container use a good quality John Innes compost as this plant will be there a long time and pure peaty types of compost eventually degrade, become too packed and choke the roots. Feed regularly as a hungry plant is a poor performer. We recommend Osmoscote pro 8-9 month applied in the early spring. One application gives all the nutrients the plant requires for the whole year. John Innes is a soils based compost.