Pinus heldreichii Smidtii - Bosnian Pine

Pinus heldreichii 'Smidtii' is a miniature variety of the Bosnian pine, particularly easy to cultivate. It has a compact globose habit and exhibits very slow growth. Its dense branches bear short, dark green needles. This variety will not exceed 80cm (32in) in all directions at maturity, making it suitable for small spaces, from rockeries to terraces or balconies, not to mention the highly ornamental contribution of its small silhouette in a flower bed. It is an undemanding conifer that adapts to any ordinary and well-drained soil and appreciates sunlight. An essential plant that thrives from north to south!

Pinus heldreichii, is an evergreen plant of the Pinaceae family native to the mountains of southeastern Europe, southwestern Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, as well as northern Greece and southern Italy. It grows between 900 and 2,500 metres (2953 and 8000 feet) in altitude and reaches a height of 25 to 35 metres (82 to 115 feet) and forms a trunk with a diameter of 2 metres (7 feet) in its environment. A longevity champion, this conifer with a very well-groomed conical habit can live for over 1000 years.

The 'Smidtii' variety distinguishes itself from the wild species by its reduced size and naturally dense globose habit, which can be further enhanced by pruning in May-June. Its growth is extremely slow, so that after 10 years, it will reach about 30cm (12in) in all directions. The plant from which it originated still lives in the mountains near Sarajevo. It is now 100 years old and does not exceed 3 metres (10 feet) in all directions. Its very short trunk bears upright branches, from which fine and very short needles emerge in pairs, their base enclosed in a persistent sheath. They are arranged in broad brushes. The large brown buds that appear in September at the end of the branches form a pleasant contrast with the deep but vivid green foliage.

The dwarf Bosnian pine 'Smidtii', while not the most spectacular, will find its place in all gardens, even the smallest ones, and will bring great satisfaction over time. This little character can be planted in rockeries or flower beds, combined with other conifers or shrubs. It is ideal for decorating balconies or terraces without causing any trouble. It works wonders in a Japanese garden and goes well with large stones, the geometric lines of swimming pools, and masonry works. It can be associated with complementary grasses, sacred bamboos, or dwarf conifers with a prostrate habit (Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'), globose habit (Picea abies 'Little Gem'), or columnar habit (Juniperus communis 'Sentinel'). The true graphic qualities of conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures to the dance of flowering. These plants with their reassuring permanence structurally define a flower bed, mark the paths, border the terrace, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. The key is to play with volumes and colours.