Aoba Jo Japanese White Pine

Aoba Jo Japanese White Pine (Pinus parviflora 'Aoba Jo')

Aoba Jo Japanese White Pine (Pinus parviflora 'Aoba Jo') is a slow-growing, semi-dwarf conifer admired for its finely textured foliage and naturally elegant branching. Originating in Japan, this cultivar combines soft coloration with a sculptural habit, offering a graceful, compact presence in the landscape. Its name translates to �Green Castle,� a nod to both its refined appearance and rich cultural history.

Distinctive Features

'Aoba Jo' is known for its soft blue-green needles that appear in dense tufts along slightly irregular branches. It develops a broad, rounded form with a slightly layered appearance, often reaching 4 to 6 feet tall and wide over time. The foliage is short, twisted, and gently silvered, creating year-round texture and color contrast against darker evergreens or garden stones.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Type: Well-drained loam, sandy, or gritty soils
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate; avoid prolonged dryness during establishment
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 7

Ideal Uses

• Japanese-style gardens and courtyard plantings
• Specimen tree in small or medium-sized landscapes
• Dwarf conifer collections and arboretums
• Foundation plantings with evergreen interest
• Focal point in rock gardens or sculptural beds

Low Maintenance Care

• Minimal pruning; selective shaping can enhance form
• Water regularly during the first few growing seasons
• Mulch to protect roots and moderate soil temperature
• Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced, slow-release formula
• Protect from harsh winter winds in exposed areas

Why Choose Aoba Jo Japanese White Pine

• Elegant blue-green needles with a soft, layered texture
• Compact growth ideal for smaller gardens and refined spaces
• Rare and ornamental with sculptural appeal
• Well-suited to collectors and Japanese-style plantings
• Provides a graceful evergreen focal point with year-round interest

Aoba Jo Japanese White Pine delivers understated beauty and refined structure, making it a graceful evergreen focal point for landscapes where elegance and subtle form are celebrated.