Pinus strobus Ontario - Eastern White Pine

Pinus strobus 'Ontario' is a dwarf form of the Weymouth pine, with a wider than tall habit, and dense and highly branched in its young age. Over time, this variety becomes rounded and shows a more regular habit. Its medium-sized needles are soft, and an elegant matte green. Its slow growth and small size make it a suitable conifer for small spaces, rockeries, or large containers on the terrace. It responds well to pruning, allowing it to be kept in very compact dimensions. It is a hardy variety, not very demanding in terms of well-drained soil that is not too chalky, and drought-resistant once established. However, it requires full sunlight to thrive.

Pinus strobus, also known as the Eastern White Pine, Weymouth pine, or Lord's pine, is a conifer of the pine family, native to eastern North America, as far as Newfoundland in Canada. This king of the forest is a monumental tree, a gigantic pyramidal Christmas tree reaching 90m (295ft) in height in its original environment, but now rarely exceeding 45m (148ft) in height due to habitat destruction and extensive exploitation. It is a very hardy species, often planted for reforestation in forests, or as an ornamental tree in large parks.

Discovered in 1961, near Lake Ontario, on the border between Canada and the United States, this variety, logically named 'Ontario', is derived from this species. It is distinguished by its very small size and compact habit, initially pyramidal, then rounded and wider than tall. Its growth is slow, around 6cm (2in) per year, so that at maturity, it will not exceed 1.3m (4ft) in all directions. Its branches have numerous branches, covered with medium green, fine, soft and flexible needles, 6 to 9cm (2 to 4in) long. They are grouped in fives and arranged in clusters, radially around the branches. Unlike other varieties of Pinus strobus, the needles are dull and not shiny. The bark of this bush is smooth, greenish-grey on young subjects, becoming brownish-grey and fissured over time. The lower part of the tree, when mature, shows a whitened bark, hence the vernacular name 'white pine'.

The dwarf white pine 'Ontario' is discreetly elegant and extremely robust. It will find its place in all gardens, even the smallest ones, as it is undemanding and adapts to various soils, with the exception of very chalky soils, as well as to various climates. In small spaces, it will look good as a standalone specimen, and will also elegantly enhance a rockery or a flower bed. It will of course form a magnificent subject that will enhance a balcony or terrace, and will work wonders in a wild garden. It goes well with large stones, the geometric lines of pools, and masonry structures. It can be associated with complementary grasses, or with dwarf conifers with a prostrate habit (Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'), globose habit (Picea abies 'Little Gem'), or columnar habit (Juniperus communis 'Sentinel'). The real graphic qualities of conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over the dance of flowers. These plants, with their reassuring permanence, structure a flower bed for a long time, mark pathways, and border the terrace, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. The key is to play with volumes and colours.