Pinus parviflora Kokuho - Japanese White Pine

Pinus parviflora 'Kokuho' is a miniature form of the Japanese white pine, with slow growth and a naturally globose, ramified, and stout habit throughout its life. Its foliage consists of short branches bearing turbinate green-blue needles and beautiful red buds. Like all Japanese pines, it tolerates pruning well, allowing for the creation of a living, almost eternal sculpture. It is an ideal variety for pots and rockeries. Undemanding and very frugal, this small conifer prefers sun and well-drained soils. It tolerates drought fairly well.

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

Originating from Japan, the 'Kokuho' variety, derived from this species, has long been appreciated there for its very small size and particularly globular, almost round habit, supported by a well-ramified framework and its beautiful bluish foliage. Its growth is slow, around 12cm (5in) per year, and becomes more subdued with age. An adult specimen will slowly reach 1m (3ft) in all directions. Its slightly twisted branches, covered with a brown-black bark, bear medium-sized needles measuring from 4 to 6cm (2in) long. They are slightly curved, grouped in fives, and arranged in dense, somewhat tousled tufts. In spring, the light red buds give way to young shoots with blue-silver reflections, creating a magnificent contrast of colours. The reflections perceived on the needles are due to the presence of blue and silver lines on their green background. The bark of this small tree exfoliates in scaly plates over time.

Still little known in cultivation, the Japanese white pine 'Kokuko' will find its place in all gardens, from the north to the south, as its Japanese origins do not prevent it from thriving in very different climates, it is perfectly hardy. In small spaces, this timeless tree will stand out when planted alone and will majestically and wisely animate a rockery or a bed. It will of course form a magnificent specimen that will enhance the balcony or terrace in a large pot, a marvel in a Japanese garden. It pairs well with large stones, the geometric lines of swimming pools, and masonry works. It can be associated with complementary grasses or sacred bamboo, in a very "zen" spirit. These plants, with their reassuring permanence, structurally define a bed, mark pathways, and border the terrace, easily substituting for the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly.