Watereri Scotch Pine

Watereri Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris 'Watereri')

Watereri Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris 'Watereri') is a handsome, slow growing dwarf selection valued for its dense, broad conical habit and distinctive blue gray needles. With refined branching and year round color, it delivers four season structure for small gardens, rockeries, and courtyard plantings where a compact, architectural evergreen is essential.

Distinctive Features

Short, stiff needles in rich steel blue gray form full, layered sprays; naturally dense, symmetrical outline with a slightly flattened crown over time; slow growth fosters a tidy silhouette with minimal pruning; rugged constitution tolerates wind, cold, and poor soils once established.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best color and density.
• Soil: Well drained soil; adapts to sandy or loamy sites and tolerates light clay with drainage; slightly acidic to neutral pH.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment, then water deeply during prolonged dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7.
• Mature Size: Typically 6 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide in the landscape; very slow to moderate growth.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Blue gray foliage and compact form anchor beds and entry plantings.
• Rock and Gravel Gardens: Pairs well with boulders and groundcovers.
• Conifer Collections: Provides color contrast among greens and golds.
• Japanese and Modern Designs: Clean lines suit minimalist and stylized schemes.
• Foundation and Courtyard Beds: Scaled for smaller spaces without overpowering.

Low Maintenance Care

• Pruning: Minimal; optional candle pinching in late spring to fine tune size and density.
• Mulching: Apply 2 to 3 inches to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature; keep off trunk.
• Feeding: Light spring application of slow release fertilizer if growth is sparse.
• Watering: Avoid chronically wet soils; ensure good drainage especially in winter.
• Protection: Site away from road salt and harsh reflected heat.

Why Choose Watereri Scotch Pine?

• Compact Evergreen Structure: Delivers year round form without constant pruning.
• Blue Gray Color: Cool toned needles provide lasting contrast.
• Tough and Adaptable: Cold hardy and drought tolerant once established.
• Design Versatility: Fits classic, contemporary, and naturalistic landscapes.
• Low Maintenance: Slow growth and durable habit simplify care.

Pinus sylvestris 'Watereri' offers a refined, space efficient pine with distinctive blue gray needles, reliable hardiness, and minimal upkeep, making it a standout specimen for sunny, well drained sites.