White / Weymouth Pine 20/40cm (P9)

White / Weymouth Pine – Pinus strobus is a graceful five-needled pine, valued for its soft texture and open, tiered habit. Native to eastern North America and introduced to these shores in the seventeenth century, it takes its alternative name from Lord Weymouth, who planted it extensively at Longleat. The needles are slender, blue-green and carried in bundles of five, growing up to around 14cm long and giving the tree a feathery appearance quite unlike the stiffer, darker pines. In a breeze the foliage moves and whispers, which is one of the reasons the species has remained a favourite for larger gardens, parkland planting and shelter schemes.

These young plants are supplied at 10/20cm in a P9 pot, a practical size for establishing a tree from an early stage. Small pines transplant well and root quickly once in the ground, often overtaking larger specimens within a few seasons. Growth is moderately fast on a good site, with whorls of branches forming in regular tiers when young before the crown broadens and becomes more irregular with age. Mature bark is grey-green and smooth at first, developing deep, dark fissures over many decades. Slender cones, often curved and up to 15cm long, hang from the branches and release resin that leaves a distinctive scent on the fingers.

White Pine suits estate planting, woodland edges, windbreaks and large lawns where its eventual size can be accommodated. It also works well as a nurse tree in mixed native and ornamental plantings, and the soft foliage provides useful shelter for birds through the winter months.

Care Guide

Plant between autumn and early spring while the soil is workable, avoiding waterlogged or frozen conditions. Choose a position in full sun with shelter from harsh, drying easterly winds, particularly in the first two or three years. The British climate suits this species well, though it dislikes heavy, wet clay that stays saturated through winter.

Aim for a moist but free-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Very chalky ground is not ideal and can cause yellowing of the needles. Improve heavy soils by planting on a slight mound and forking grit through the base of the planting hole.

Water thoroughly after planting and keep young trees watered through dry spells for the first two summers, roughly 10 litres per week in prolonged drought. Mulch with bark or composted material to a depth of 5/7cm, leaving a gap around the stem to prevent rot.

Feeding is rarely necessary, though a light application of a balanced granular fertiliser in spring will support young plants on poor sandy soils. Keep a grass-free circle around the base for the first few years, as competition slows establishment considerably.

Pruning is best avoided. Pines do not regenerate from old wood, so limit work to removing dead, damaged or crossing branches in late summer. Watch for white pine blister rust and for aphid damage on young shoots, and remove any affected growth promptly.

Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres

Time to ultimate height
20–50 years

Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres

UK grown at our nursery in Euxton, West Lancashire.