Scots Pine, Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

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Plant Details

Category: Nursery
Light: Full Sun
Bloom Season:
Height: 30-90’ / 
9-27m
Space: 20-30’ / 
6-9m
Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Lowest Temp: -40° to -30°F / 
-40° to -34°C
Colors: Grown for foliage

Basic Care

Prefers well-drained, slightly moist and acidic soil, but can tolerate poor soils. Requires full sun. Not a good choice for the South, or any region that has long, very hot summers.

Water

Water regularly until established.

Soil

Humus-rich, well-drained soil.

Feed

Not necessary.

Scots Pine detailed care guide →
attracts birds

Attracts Birds

attracts butterflies

Attracts Butterflies

evergreen plants and trees

Evergreen

Looks Great in Winter

border plants

Borders

Features

Scots Pine (also commonly known as Scotch pine) is a lovely conifer tree native to northern Europe and northern Asia. It is an important timber tree in Europe and was likely first introduced to North America by European colonists.

Scots pine is an exceptionally cold hardy evergreen tree making it a good choice for adding greenery to a winter landscape. It has an interesting growth pattern, starting out with a pyramidal growth habit when young, but eventually losing its lower branches and developing a wide, rounded canopy of foliage as it matures. The blue-green needles create a beautiful contrast when planted near green or gold-leaved plants and colorful flowers in the summer.

Scots pine typically begins producing pine cones when the tree is around ten years old. The pine cones then may take two years to develop, turn brown, and finally open to release their seeds.

Often grown at Christmas tree farms because young Scots pine trees have a classic Christmas tree form, rich fragrance, and good needle retention after being cut.

Uses

A lovely specimen tree in a large landscape. Often used for planting on slopes for erosion control. Attracts many bird and mammal species looking for seeds and nesting sites.

Scots Pine, Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) Care Guide

Plant in spring or early fall to give plants the best start.

Choose a location that will allow roots to spread and branches to grow freely. Space plants far enough from building foundations, walls, and decks so that the growing foliage won’t crowd the structure. Consider whether tall trees or shrubs will block windows or interfere with the roof or power lines.

To prepare the planting area dig a hole as deep as the root ball and three times as wide. After removing the soil, mix it with some compost or peat moss. This enriches the soil and loosens the existing dirt so that new roots can spread easily.

To remove the plant from the container, gently brace the base of the plant, tip it sideways and tap the outside of the pot to loosen. Rotate the container and continue to tap, loosening the soil until the plant pulls smoothly from the pot. The container can also be removed by carefully cutting it down the side.

Set the plant in the hole. If the root ball is wrapped in burlap fabric this must now be removed along with any string or wire securing the burlap. If roots are tightly packed gently rake them apart with your fingers.

Return the soil to the planting area packing it firmly around the root ball. Fill the hole until the soil line is just at the base of the plant, where the roots begin to flare out from the main stem.

Water the plant well then add a 2” (5cm) layer of mulch, such as shredded bark, around the planting area. Keep the mulch at least 4” (10cm) away from the trunk of the plant as this can keep the bark too moist and cause it to decay.

Depending on rainfall, new plants need to be watered weekly through the first growing season. A slow, one-hour trickle of water should do the job. During hot spells thoroughly soaking the ground up to 8” (20 cm) every few days is better than watering a little bit daily. Deep watering encourages roots to grow further into the ground resulting in a sturdier plant with more drought tolerance.

Pruning may be needed to remove dead branches, encourage bushier growth, promote more flowers, or maintain a specific size or shape.

Dead branches should be removed close to the trunk, flush with the bark. When pruning to control a plant’s size or shape, cuts should be made just above a leaf bud and at a slight angle. This bud will be where the new growth sprouts.

Many shrubs can be regularly sheared to keep them shaped as a hedge, edging or formal foundation planting.

Always use sharp, clean tools when pruning. There are many tools available depending on the job. Hand shears, pruners, and loppers are ideal for most shrubs. Pole pruners and tree saws are better for large, mature shrubs or trees. If a tree is so large that it can’t be safely pruned with a pole pruner, it is best to call in a professional tree service.

Established trees should be fertilized every 2-3 years. Feed in early spring when plants start growing.

Fertilizers are available in many forms: granulated, slow-release, liquid feeds, organic or synthetic. Determine which application method is best for the situation and select a product designed for trees and shrubs, or go with a nutritionally balanced, general-purpose formula such as 10-10-10.

Always follow the fertilizer package directions for application rates and scheduling. Over-fertilizing plants or applying at the wrong time during the growing season can result in plant injury.

Scots Pine Companion/Combination Plants

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