Pinus nigra Agnes Brégeon - Black Pine

Pinus nigra 'Agnes Brégeon' is a dwarf variety of black pine that does not exceed 80cm (32in) in height and 1.2m (4ft) in width. This conifer has a flattened dome shape, very compact, regular, and dark green needle-like foliage. It allows for the creation of simple yet refined designs in natural or contemporary style gardens. Its vegetation is adorned with silver buds that contrast well with the mature foliage. It is used to dress and structure rock gardens, alpine gardens, small gardens, or in pots on a balcony or terrace. It is a very hardy conifer, not demanding in terms of soil, and resistant to drought. Give it a sunny location in any well-drained soil, even poor and very chalky.  

Pinus nigra, also known as Austrian black pine or simply black pine, is an evergreen conifer from the Pinaceae family distributed in central and southern Europe, from Spain to Crimea, Asia Minor, Cyprus, and more sporadically in the Atlas Mountains. In nature, it can exceed 35m (115ft) in height, adopting an open conical shape and a dense crown. It is a very hardy species, well adapted to warm temperate climates and very chalky or clayey soils.

The 'Agnes Brégeon' variety is distinguished by its flattened ball-shaped habit, perfectly compact, its long needles, stiff, radiating in clusters at the ends of the branches, and its adaptability to the most spartan conditions. Its growth is extremely slow, so it will reach 40cm (16in) in height and 60cm (24in) in width at the age of 10. At maturity, it reaches a height of 80cm (32in) and a diameter of 1.20m (4ft). Its whorled and ascending branches, very close together, are covered with firm and stiff needles, dark green, 6 to 8cm (2 to 3in) long, grouped in pairs and arranged in brushes, giving the vegetation a slightly bristly appearance. The top of the vertical branches is punctuated by beautiful silver buds that are extremely visible. On its very short trunk, hidden by the vegetation, the bark is brown-grey, covered with large flat scales surrounded by deep fissures that widen over the years. 

The 'Agnes Brégeon' black pine, a true natural bonsai, will find its place in a small garden, isolated, in a rock garden, or on a slope, planted in groups of three near an entrance, or in a container on the terrace. It can also be placed against a grove, or its dark and elegant foliage can be used as a backdrop to highlight the blooms or lighter foliage of other dwarf conifers, small bushes, or white-flowered perennials in particular. It goes well with large stones, the geometric lines of pools or buildings, and masonry works. The true graphic qualities of conifers are evident in a contemporary garden that emphasizes shapes, silhouettes, and textures. The key is to play with volumes and colours!