Mountain Pine (Pinus Mugo Mughus) 15 seeds (#386)

Boulders and alpine plants look at home when in the presence of a mugho pine. This species is a dense, bushy, stiff-needled evergreen shrub native to the mountains of south-central Europe. The curved, twisted, dark green needles are paired. Small cones are borne toward the branch tips. Mugho pine is usually represented in gardens by one of the ubiquitous forms known collectively as the Pumilio Group. Although these are slow growing, they may eventually attain considerable size, especially in spread. Numerous truly dwarf forms are also available.
This tough cold-hardy shrub excels with full sun and tolerates most soils that do not become soggy. Its tight, stiff, often rounded habit lends a formal air to foundation plantings, containers, rockeries and mixed borders. Choose a dwarf cultivar if space is limited. Pests such as sawfly larvae are sometimes a problem. The natural variety uncinata can reach tree size although it is quite variable in mature stature.

Genus - Pinus
Species - Mugo
Variety - Mughus
Common name - Mountain Pine
Pre-Treatment - Not-required
Hardiness zones - 3 - 8
Height - 4'-10' / 1 - 3 m
Spread - 8'-20' / 2.40 - 6 m
Plant type - Shrub
Vegetation type - Evergreen
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun
Growth rate - Slow
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Loam, Sand, Well Drained
Water requirements - Drought tolerant, average water
Landscape uses - Alpine, Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
Leaf / Flower color - Green / --

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place the seeds in a container with tepid water and soak them for 24 hours.
2. Fill small pots with compost. Place one or two pine seeds on top of the compost in each pot, then cover the seeds with a thin layer (1-2 mm / 1/16") of sand.
3. Water the sand and compost to add moisture, then place the pots in a warm, sunny location. As the seedlings emerge and grow, the soil needs to remain moist, not wet.
Repot the pine trees into medium-sized pots in the fall. Grow them in the pots for the following season until they are large and strong enough for transplanting into the landscape.