Riverside Gem Scotch Pine

Riverside Gem Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris 'Riverside Gem')

Riverside Gem Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris 'Riverside Gem') is a compact, slow-growing evergreen valued for its refined form and striking blue-green needles. This low-maintenance cultivar offers consistent structure, color, and hardiness, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, foundation plantings, or any design needing a sculpted, evergreen presence.

Distinctive Features

'Riverside Gem' forms a dense, mounding shape that typically matures at 3 to 5 feet tall and wide. Its short needles are rich blue-green and radiate in a tidy, layered arrangement that creates texture and depth. The plant�s compact habit and symmetrical growth make it ideal for formal or small-scale designs where consistent structure is desired.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Low to moderate
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7

Ideal Uses

• Rock gardens and alpine plantings
• Foundation beds and entryways
• Formal landscapes needing symmetry
• Dwarf conifer groupings or collector gardens
• Focal point in low-maintenance planting schemes

Low Maintenance Care

• No pruning needed to maintain shape
• Water regularly until established
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Adapts well to urban and dry conditions
• Inspect periodically for pine sawfly or needle cast in humid areas

Why Choose Riverside Gem Scotch Pine

• Consistently compact and symmetrical growth
• Blue-green needles provide year-round color
• Perfect for small gardens and refined spaces
• Cold hardy and drought tolerant once established
• Offers a low-growing evergreen focal point with excellent structure

Riverside Gem Scotch Pine delivers balance and color in a compact form, offering a reliable evergreen focal point for gardens that value neatness, hardiness, and year-round appeal.