Pinus mugo Kissen - Dwarf Mountain Pine

Pinus mugo 'Kissen' is a small mountain pine with a globose and regular habit, distinguished by its branches with an unusual appearance, which may evoke those of the Araucaria. Ascending and slightly twisted, they are covered with very short, dark green needles. At their tips, the brown buds that elongate in spring give the shrub a curious chandelier-like aspect. Due to its reduced growth and very slow growth, it is well suited to a small garden, will liven up a rockery or make a statement in a container on the terrace. It is an extremely hardy conifer, not demanding, and does not require pruning. It is content with well-drained but moist soil, and a sunny exposure. This variety fears climates that are too hot and dry.

Pinus mugo, also called Dwarf Mountain Pine, or Mountain Pine, is an evergreen conifer of the pine family endemic to the mountains of Europe. It is found at the subalpine level, avoiding summer heat, from the Spanish sierras, through the high Alpine and Pyrenean massifs, to the Balkans. It descends to an altitude of 200m (656ft) only in Central Europe. In nature, it slowly reaches 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet) in all directions, adopting a tousled silhouette that reflects its wind-swept habitat. It is a very hardy species, very well adapted to the mountain climate.

The 'Kissen' ('Brevifolia') variety is distinguished from the wild species by its small size, its very compact spherical bush habit, and its very short needles. Its growth is very slow, about 5cm (2in) per year. A 10-year-old subject will not exceed 60cm (24in) in height and 70cm (28in) in width at the base. Over time, this small shrub widens, eventually forming a rounded pine tree, wider than it is tall, measuring 1m (3ft) in height and 1.50m (5ft) in diameter. Its branches are covered with fine needles, not exceeding 2cm (1in) in length, grouped in pairs and arranged in brushes. The young shoots emerge in spring from light brown and resinous buds. On its trunk, the bark is greyish-brown, while it shows a green and shiny, then black, colour on the branches.

The dwarf Mountain Pine 'Kissen' will find its place in a small garden, in isolation, in a massif or in a rockery. It can also be used in a large pot on the terrace or balcony. It works wonders in a Japanese garden, and goes well with large stones, the geometric lines of pools, and masonry works. It can be associated with complementary grasses, or with dwarf conifers with a prostrate habit (Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'), globose (Picea abies 'Little Gem'), or columnar (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 waltz of blooms. These plants with their reassuring permanence durably structure a border, mark the pathways, border the terrace, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. The key is to play with volumes and colours.