Not every gardener has the space for a massive, towering pine tree in their backyard. But don’t worry—you don’t have to miss out on that classic evergreen charm! There are plenty of dwarf varieties that fit perfectly into smaller spaces. Here’s a look at which types to choose and what you need to know about these compact conifers.
Planting Dwarf Pine Trees
There are well over 100 different species of pine trees worldwide, and while most of them reach for the clouds, there’s a fantastic selection of small-growth varieties out there. These are perfect for balcony planters or cozy garden corners. Some even make excellent candidates for pine bonsai trees. Most of these pint-sized favorites actually belong to the Mountain Pine family.
Here are a few ways to use dwarf pines:
- Growing pines in containers
- Using them as evergreen groundcover
- Training them into beautiful bonsai specimens
Columnar and Dwarf Mountain Pines
The Columnar Mountain Pine grows in a relatively narrow shape and tops out at about 15 feet. This tree is happiest in slightly acidic soil. Just make sure it gets a bright, sunny spot and that the soil stays moderately moist.
Then there’s the Dwarf Mountain Pine, which has a cool trick: its green needles turn a bright yellow in the winter! Because of this, it’s often called the “Winter Gold” pine. It has a shallow root system and stays nice and low to the ground. For the best results, plant this one in loose soil with plenty of organic matter (humus).
The Lowdown on Creeping Pines
If you’re looking for something that stays close to the earth, the Creeping Pine is your best bet. It literally grows along the ground and rarely gets taller than five feet. It features beautiful, dark green needles and is a popular choice for filling in large garden beds with greenery. Just keep in mind that even though it’s a ground-hugger, it still craves a sunny location.
The Unique Look of Globe Pines
The Globe Pine is a real showstopper, growing only about 20 inches tall. It develops a super dense coat of needles that naturally forms a round, ball-like shape—hence the name! Globe pines are pretty tough and can handle poor soil, but if you’re planning on planting a pine like this, make sure it isn’t stuck in a deep, shady corner. It needs its sunshine to stay healthy and round!
