Pinus parviflora Azumi Goye - Japanese White Pine

Pinus parviflora 'Azumi Goye' is a smaller and elegant form of the Japanese white pine, with a conical habit, and quite wide spread. Its somewhat irregular vegetation is composed of ascending branches covered with short and delicate needles, with grey-blue hues, giving the bush a very nuanced dark green shade. Like all Japanese pines, it tolerates pruning very well, which allows it to be shaped into a living sculpture for many years. It is an ideal variety for pots and particularly suitable for the art of bonsai. Not demanding, this small conifer prefers sunlight and well-drained soils and tolerates drought quite well.

Pinus parviflora, also known as Japanese white pine or five-needle pine, is a plant of the pine family native to forests located at altitudes between 1300 and 1800 m (4265 and 5905ft), in the Japanese islands. In its natural environment, this species can exceed 20 m (66ft) in height and has a pyramidal habit, often as wide as it is tall, bearing a dense conical crown. Appreciated for its wood in Japan, this elegant species has given rise to very beautiful forms, often grown as bonsai.

Still little known, the 'Azumi Goye' variety, derived from this species, stands out for its modest size and its particular conical habit, which can be further accentuated by autumn pruning. Its growth is slow, so at maturity, it will not exceed 3 to 4 m (10 to 13ft) in height and 2 m (7ft) in width. Its branches are rigid and ascending, covered with a dark brown bark and with short and slightly twisted needles, which measure from 4 to 6 cm (2in) long.  These are even shorter when the pine is grown as bonsai. They are grouped in fives and arranged in dense clusters along the branches. Their glaucous grey-blue appearance is due to the presence of blue and silver lines on a dark green background. The bark of this small tree peels off in scaly patches over time.

The Japanese white pine 'Azumi Goye' will find its place in all gardens, as its Japanese origins do not prevent it from thriving in very different climates.  In small spaces, it will stand out when grown as a specimen, especially when shaped by pruning. It will also bring splendor to a rock garden or a flower bed. Of course, it will make a magnificent feature that will enhance a balcony or patio, and will work wonders in a Japanese garden. It pairs well with large stones, the geometric lines of swimming pools, architectural walls. It can be associated with complementary grasses or with dwarf conifers with a prostrate habit (Juniperus horizontalis Blue Chip) or a globose habit (Picea abies Little Gem). The true geometric qualities of conifers naturally work well in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over many flowers. These plants, with their reassuring permanence, can structure a flower bed for a long time, mark paths, and line a terrace, easily substituting pruned boxwood or holly. The key is to play with volumes and colours.