Origin
The Pinus mugo, also known as the mountain pine, has its origin in the mountainous area of Central and Southern Europe. It mainly grows in alpine and subalpine zones, particularly in the Alps and the Carpathians. This species is often found in nature at altitudes ranging from 1000 to 2200 meters.
Characteristics
The Pinus mugo is a bushy, dwarf-growing conifer that typically grows between 1 and 3 meters high. It is characterized by its dark green colour and the tight needle-like leaves that grow closely together. The bark is thin and flaky, and varies in colour from grey-brown to red-brown. The cones are egg-shaped, brown and often remain on the tree for several years.
Care
For the Pinus mugo, an open, sunny location with a well-draining soil is ideal. The plant is very winter hardy and suffers little from severe freezing weather. In terms of pruning, this conifer only requires a light form pruning in the late winter or early spring. Furthermore, it is well resistant to air pollution and drought, which means it requires little maintenance.
