Pinus strobus Blue Shag - Eastern White Pine

The Pinus strobus 'Blue Shag' is an adorable compact variety of Weymouth Pine. Its spreading globose habit and long bluish-green needles give it an incomparable graphical aspect. A magnificent subject for contemporary or Japanese gardens, this Pine will also adorn a rockery provided it is not too dry. It grows in neutral to acidic, moderately moist soil, in full sun or partial shade. Relatively accommodating, this conifer, however, fears the atmospheric pollution of our cities. 

The Pinus strobus, also known as White Pine, Weymouth Pine or Lord's Pine, is a conifer of the Pinaceae family native to eastern North America, up to Newfoundland Island in Canada. This king of the forest is a monumental tree, a gigantic pyramidal Christmas tree reaching 60 m (196 ft 11 in) in height in its natural environment, but currently only reaching a difficult 35 m (114 ft 10 in) in height due to the destruction of its habitat and extensive exploitation. It is a very hardy species, often planted for reforestation in forests, or as an ornamental tree in large parks.

The 'Blue Shag' variety, derived from this species, stands out for its much smaller size, its compact globose habit, and its regular growth. Its growth is slow, so that after 10 years of planting, it will only reach a height of 0.80 m (2 ft 7 in) with a spread of 1.20 m. When mature, it will reach a height of 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) with a spread of 2 m (6 ft 7 in), forming a wide cushion. The Pinus strobus belongs to the group of "5-leaf Pines" like the Pinus Cembra, meaning that its needles are grouped together on the branches, giving them a friendly tousled appearance. Long, slender, and flexible, they have a beautiful bluish hue and are particularly decorative. This Pine thrives in neutral to acidic soil, not drying out too much, as it needs moisture, but nevertheless fears excessive water in winter. It will fully thrive in sunny exposure, tolerating partial shade. Sensitive to atmospheric pollution, it will therefore be more at home in a countryside garden than in the city center.

The 'Blue Shag' Dwarf White Pine will be particularly highlighted in a contemporary garden, showcasing graphic plants like itself. It can then be associated with other conifers with colourful foliage and an upright shape to create double contrasts, such as the Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Elwood's Gold' or the charming Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold' with foliage that changes color throughout the year. It also goes well with the surprising Japanese Maple 'Shishigashira' with its tender green crisped foliage turning bright red in autumn. To reinforce this Japanese style, nothing beats a Chinese "Azalea," the Rhododendron luteum, with its fragrant yellow flowers and superb autumnal colourations, or a beautiful Japanese Camellia 'Nobilissima' with its white winter flowers and yellow heart.