Pinus densiflora Low Glow - Japanese Red Pine

The natural form of this small Japanese red pine, named  Pinus densiflora 'Low Glow', suggests a rounded bush, slightly wider than it is tall, with light yellow-green needle-like foliage and such dense vegetation that it fills all the empty spaces in its branches. At the end of the branches, its large pale brown to tan buds emerge from the foliage, announcing the end of summer. Its slow growth and reduced size allow it to fit in small gardens, animate rockeries, and stand out in the foreground on a terrace or balcony. With its horizontal and twisted branches, it is an ideal variety for bonsai art. It enjoys sunlight and well-drained, not too dry, ordinary soil.

Pinus densiflora, also known as Japanese red pine or Japanese parasol pine, is a plant from the Pinaceae family native to forests in northeastern China, Korea, and Japan. In its natural environment, this species can grow over 30 metres (98 feet 5 inches) tall and has a variable habit, naturally coiled form, and often several trunks covered with red bark. Appreciated for its wood in Japan, this species also hosts the cultivation of matsutake, a highly aromatic mushroom, under its foliage.

The 'Low Glow' variety is a very popular variety that stands out from the wild species with its reduced size and naturally dense bushy habit which can be further accentuated by pruning in May-June. Its growth is slow, about 8 to 13cm (3.1 to 5.1in) per year, so after many years, it will reach a height of about 80cm (31.5in) with a spread of 1.10m (3ft 7in). Its often twisted trunk bears almost horizontal branches, from which orange bark branches originate, which become grey and peel off in plates with age. They are covered with fine needles, 10cm (3.9 in) long, grouped in pairs and arranged in wide brushes. The large light brown buds that appear at the end of the branches in September create a pleasant contrast with the acid green foliage.

The 'Low Glow' Japanese red pine will find its place in even the smallest gardens, whether isolated, in a rockery, or at the back of a flower bed. In a pot, it will create a magnificent subject that enhances a balcony or terrace. It works wonders in a Japanese garden, and pairs well with large stones, the geometric lines of swimming pools, and masonry works. It can be associated with complementary grasses, sacred bamboo, or prostrate (Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'), globose (Picea abies 'Little Gem'), or columnar (Juniperus communis 'Sentinel') dwarf conifers. The graphic qualities of conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over the dance of flowers. These plants with their reassuring permanence structurally define a flower bed, mark pathways, and border a terrace, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. The key is to play with volumes and colours.