Kotobuki Japanese Black Pine (Pinus Thunbergii) - 5 Gallon Pot

Kotobuki Japanese Black Pine Pinus thunbergii 'Kotobuki' Plant Details USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 5a-9b Find Your Zone Plant Type: Coniferous Evergreen Tree Height at Maturity: 6'+ Width at Maturity: 2'+ Spacing: Best as a specimen or small spaced grouping at 4' apart Growth Habit / Form: Upright Pyramidal Growth Rate: Slow, 4-6" Flower Color: NA Flower Size: NA Flowering Period: NA Flower Type: NA Fragrant Flowers: No Foliage Color: Dark Grey-Green, White candles Fragrant Foliage: Yes Berries: No Berry Color: NA Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun Water Needs: Low when established Soil Type: Clay (Amend heavy clay to ensure good drainage), Loam, Sandy, Silty Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well-Drained; Drought tolerant when established Soil pH: 5.0 - 7.0 (Acid to Neutral) Maintenance / Care: Very Low Attracts: Visual Attention Resistances: Deer - more info, Disease, Drought, Dry Soil, Insect, Salt Description A very old cultivar that originated in Japan centuries ago, Pinus thunbergii 'Kotobuki' is a narrowly upright selection of Japanese Black Pine with short irregular branching and shorter-than-typical dark, gray-green needles. The branches develop into irregular side clusters, giving it a very Asian look in garden beds or containers. The dark needles contrast beautifully with the bright silver-white of the new "candles" that emerge in spring. It grows at up to 6 inches per year into an upright, irregular pyramid reaching 4 or 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide at the base at 10 years of age. That said, as with other Japanese black pines, the size and form of Kotobuki is easily maintained with candle pruning techniques. It is a fine candidate for an exceptionally unique bonsai tree. The Japanese word "Kotobuki" translates into "congratulations" or "long life." Landscape & Garden Uses With no pruning or sculpting the Kotobuki Japanese Black Pine naturally grows 4 to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide at 10 years of age. With a simple annual pruning of the "candles" this pine can be maintained at a much smaller size and is highly suitable for bonsai. Selective removal of branches can be performed to create interesting and a unique pom-pom topiary and other irregular shapes. Left unpruned this pine is ideal for use as a specimen, in spaced groupings of three, or two can be used to frame an entryway. Also suitable for growing in pots, planters and other containers and is a fine addition to Asian theme gardens and conifer gardens. Suggested Spacing: 4 feet apart for spaced groupings Growing Preferences Though drought tolerant when established, the Kotobuki Japanese Black Pine grows best in a moist but well-drained fertile soil in full sun but will tolerate some light afternoon shade. As with so many other ornamental trees, constantly soggy soil can cause problems with the roots. Does not require pruning however candles can be trimmed annually in late winter to maintain a smaller plant or pruned regularly for very interesting topiary forms. Excellent for bonsai! Helpful Articles Click on the link below to find helpful planting and care advice from our experts. How To Prune A Pine Tree or Shrub Pine Plant Long & Prosper! Meet The Wilson Brothers & Staff Questions? Contact Us