What is a Japanese Red Pine?
Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora) is an evergreen conifer native to Japan. In the wild, it can reach up to 100 feet (30.5 m.) in height, but in landscapes, it tends to top out between 30 and 50 feet (9-15 m.). Its dark green needles measure 3 to 5 inches (7.5-12.5 cm.) and grow up out of the branches in tufts. In the spring, male flowers are yellow and female flowers are yellow to purple. These flowers give way to cones that are dull brown and about 2 inches (5 cm.) long. Despite the name, the Japanese red pine needles do not change color in the fall but stay green throughout the year. The tree gets its name from its bark, which peels away in scales to reveal a showy red underneath. As the tree ages, the bark on the main trunk tends to fade to brown or gray. Japanese red pines are hardy in USDA zones 3b to 7a. They require little pruning and can tolerate at least some drought.
How to Grow a Japanese Red Pine
Japanese red pine care is relatively easy and is similar to that of any pine tree. The trees need slightly acidic, well-drained soil and will thrive in most types except clay. They prefer full sun. Japanese red pine trees are, for the most part, disease and pest free. The branches tend to grow out horizontally from the trunk, which itself often grows at an angle and gives the tree an attractive windswept look. Because of this, Japanese red pines are best grown individually as specimen trees, instead of in groves.
