Stone pine (Pinus pinea)
Stone pine (Pinus pinea) is a conifer that can grow higher than 15m tall and wider than 8 metres wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Stone pine (Pinus pinea).
This plant has several common names including: stone pine, Italian stone pine or umbrella pine.
This is a evergreen plant that takes more than 50 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: stone pine, Italian stone pine, umbrella pine
Scientific name: Pinus pinea
Plant type: Conifers, Trees
Habit: Bushy
Height: Higher than 15m
Spread: Wider than 8 metres
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Coastal, Informal Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding
Other characteristics: RHS Award of Garden Merit
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Stone pine (Pinus pinea) – S. Rae from Scotland, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Other types of Pinus to consider:
See all Pinus
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Stone pine (Pinus pinea), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Stone pine (Pinus pinea) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Pinus pinea likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Stone pine (Pinus pinea) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Stone pine (Pinus pinea) – image source
