Pinus sylvestris Doone Valley - Scots Pine

With its splendid light blue needle-like foliage and its irregular conical habit, Pinus sylvestris 'Doone Valley' is undoubtedly one of the best dwarf Scots pines. Its somewhat whimsical growth occasionally produces a few stronger branches that emerge from the bush to form secondary arrows. This variety is a wonderful specimen for rock gardens and will liven up any flower bed. It is also a very hardy plant, slow-growing, not demanding in terms of non-calcareous well-drained soil, and drought-resistant once established.

Pinus sylvestris, commonly known as Scots pine, is a conifer of the pine family, widely spread throughout northern Europe and Asia Minor. It is a light-loving species, adapted to drought and extreme cold, tolerant of poor soils, but wary of limestone. This tree reaches 30m (98ft) in height in its natural habitat and generally has a rounded crown on a trunk with ochre-red or vermilion bark. However, depending on its habitat, this pine can have a very diverse habit.

The 'Doone Valley' variety, is derived from this species. It is distinguished by its very small size, its irregularly broadened conical habit, and the unusual colour of its foliage; very decorative features. Its growth is slow, so that at 10 years old, it will reach a height of 60cm (24in), and will measure about 1.50m (5ft) in height and 1.10m (4ft) in spread at maturity. Its branches are covered with short needles that blend green, silver, grey, and blue, ranging from 3 to 6cm (1 to 2in) in length and twisted. They are grouped in pairs and arranged spirally around the branches. It is common for this variety to produce secondary arrows, which further enhance its unusual appearance. Its powerful taproot makes transplanting large specimens a bit delicate.

The 'Doone Valley' Scots pine is a plant that will delight collectors, but also a charming and easy-to-care-for small conifer, to be highlighted in a rock garden or as a border plant. It will find its place in all gardens, even the smallest ones, as its size is naturally small and its growth is slow. It requires no maintenance and adapts to a wide range of soils, with the exception of very limestone or heavy and compact soils. It pairs well with large stones, the geometric lines of swimming pools, and masonry works. It can be associated with complementary grasses or dwarf conifers with a prostrate habit (Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'), globose habit (Picea abies 'Little Gem'), or columnar habit (Juniperus communis 'Sentinel'). The true graphic qualities of conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures to the dance of flowering plants. These plants with their reassuring permanence provide lasting structure to a flower bed, mark pathways, and border terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. The key is to play with volumes and colours.