Picola Japanese Umbrella Pine

Picola Japanese Umbrella Pine (Sciadopitys verticillata 'Picola')

Picola Japanese Umbrella Pine is a compact, slow-growing conifer that adds year-round structure without taking over the bed. Its glossy, dark green needle whorls look crisp in every season, giving small gardens and tight foundation areas a polished evergreen anchor. Because it grows at a patient pace, it stays neat and proportional, which makes it easy to design around long-term. Use it when you want a collector-style evergreen that reads as intentional, not generic.

Distinctive Features

This dwarf selection forms a dense, conical to broadly upright evergreen with shorter, tighter needle clusters than the straight species, creating a fuller, more compact look. The foliage is rich, dark green and glossy, arranged in distinctive umbrella-like whorls that give the plant a sculptural texture. Over time, mature plants may develop small upright cones, adding subtle seasonal interest without changing the clean outline. Its slow growth and naturally tidy branching make it especially valuable for small landscapes and high-visibility spots.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to partial shade, with some afternoon shade helpful in hotter sites.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil is ideal, and avoid heavy soils that stay wet.
• Water: Medium, keep evenly moist during establishment and water during extended dry periods.
• USDA Zones: 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: About 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide.
• Habit: Dense, conical to broadly upright dwarf evergreen.
• Foliage: Glossy, dark green needle whorls with a distinctive umbrella-like texture.
• Flowers: Inconspicuous.
• Cones: Upright cones may appear on mature plants.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Place as a small-scale specimen where the unusual whorled foliage can carry a main view year-round.
• Foundation Planting: Use near entries and windows for a compact evergreen accent that stays neat and proportional.
• Rock and Conifer Gardens: A natural fit for mixed conifer beds where texture and form do the work.
• Front Border Structure: Add to the front or mid-layer of beds to provide permanent shape among seasonal perennials.
• Containers: Grow in a large container to feature its texture up close and keep it perfectly scaled for patios.

Low Maintenance Care

• Pruning: Prune minimally, removing only dead or damaged growth to preserve the natural form.
• Watering: Water deeply during dry spells, especially while the plant is establishing and in sandy soils.
• Mulching: Mulch over the root zone to conserve moisture and keep roots cool, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Site Protection: Provide shelter from harsh winter wind and intense reflected heat to reduce stress.
• Soil Care: Maintain good drainage and avoid compaction around the root zone for best long-term performance.

Why Choose Picola Japanese Umbrella Pine?

• Compact Evergreen Form: Dwarf size delivers year-round structure in spaces where standard conifers are too large.
• Unique Texture: Umbrella-like whorls create a sculptural look that stands apart from typical pines and spruces.
• Rich Green Color: Glossy dark foliage keeps beds looking finished in every season.
• Slow, Controlled Growth: Stays tidy and low-fuss with minimal pruning and long-term reliability.
• High-Value Specimen: Adds a collector feel and elevates mixed plantings with distinctive form and texture.

If you want an evergreen that feels refined and uncommon in a small footprint, Picola Japanese Umbrella Pine is a strong choice. Give it well-drained, slightly acidic soil and consistent moisture while it settles in, and it will develop into a dense, sculptural accent that improves the landscape year after year.