Pinus flexilis Vanderwolfs Pyramid -Felxible Pine

The Pinus flexilis Vanderwolf's Pyramid is a compact form of a robust pine tree native to the Rocky Mountains, also known as the Western pine or flexible pine. It slowly forms a dense and well-shaped pyramid, with its candle-like vegetation covered in shiny green-blue needles with silver reflections. This conifer, with its moderate size, is perfectly suited for small garden decoration.

The Pinus flexilis belongs to the pinaceae family, and is native to the Rocky Mountains, from Canada to New Mexico, where it grows between 1500 and 3500 meters (4921 feet 4 inches and 11482 feet 11 inches) above sea level. It is a very hardy species that easily adapts to different climates and soils, adjusting its growth to the conditions it encounters. It is mainly characterized by the flexibility of its branches and its needles grouped in fives.

The cultivar 'Vanderwolf's Pyramid' distinguishes itself by its smaller size, denser and more regular vegetation, and even slower growth. After many years, this pine tree reaches a height of 6 meters (19 feet 8 inches) with a spread of 3 meters (9 feet 10 inches). Its crown is conical to pyramidal, supported by spreading and flexible branches that stand upright at their tips. Its needles are densely arranged at the ends of branches. Measuring 3 to 7.5 cm (1.2 to 3 in) long, they are rigid, shiny, pointed, and have a slightly bluish-green colour with silver reflections. The fruiting cones are 7 to 13 cm (2.8 to 5.1 in) long and 5 to 7 cm (2 to 2.8 in) wide. They are usually upright and become pendulous and shiny light brown when ripe.

The Vanderwolf's Pyramid Rocky Mountain Pine will find its place in a small or medium-sized garden, as a standalone specimen, in a large rock garden, as a hedge, planted in groups of three near an entrance, or on the edge of a woodland. It can also be placed against a grove or used as an elegant evergreen backdrop to highlight flower blooms or lighter foliage of other dwarf conifers or flowering shrubs. It pairs well with large stones, geometric lines of pools or buildings, and masonry works. It can be combined with complementary grasses or prostrate (Juniperus horizontalis Blue Chip) or globose (Picea abies Little Gem) conifers. The key is to play with volumes and colours.