Blue Arolla/Swiss Stone Pine 10/20cm (P9)

The Blue Arolla Pine Pinus cembra glauca is a striking conifer that adds alpine charm to gardens across Britain. This variety of the Swiss Stone Pine stands out with its blue-green needles that create a silvery, frost-like appearance all year round. Originally from the central European Alps and Carpathian Mountains, this tree has settled well into British conditions, giving gardeners the chance to enjoy high-altitude beauty at home.

Pinus cembra glauca grows slowly, usually reaching 6-10 metres tall over many years. Its neat, pyramid shape gradually becomes more open and rounded as it matures, creating a lovely outline in gardens. The soft needles grow in clusters of five and feel pleasant to touch, bringing texture to any planting scheme.

Small, subtle flowers show up in late spring to early summer, followed by large, attractive cones that need up to three years to ripen fully. These cones look great and also contain edible pine nuts, giving this ornamental tree an extra practical benefit.

This pine is extremely tough, coping well with strong winds and freezing temperatures, which makes it perfect for exposed spots or coastal gardens. Its slow growth and tidy shape work brilliantly in smaller spaces or as a feature in rock gardens, where the blue-green colour pairs beautifully with other alpine varieties.

In British gardens, this pine provides interest throughout the year and needs very little care once it’s settled in. Being evergreen, it gives structure and colour during winter when other plants have lost their leaves. The thick branching also makes it great for natural screening or shelter belts.

The Blue Arolla Pine also helps local wildlife by offering shelter for birds and small animals. When it does produce seeds, they feed various species including nuthatches and woodpeckers.

Used alone as a specimen tree, planted in groups for a woodland feel, or included in mixed conifer borders, Pinus cembra glauca brings lasting beauty and mountain character to gardens. Its blue-green foliage, sculptural shape, and easy-care nature make it a worthwhile choice for year-round appeal and a hint of alpine splendour.

Supplied approx 10/20cm tall in a 9cm pot.

Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres

Time to ultimate height
20–50 years

Ultimate spread
4–8 metres

Please note: Decorative pots shown are for display purposes only. Your tree will be supplied in a standard plastic nursery pot shown in the other pictures.