Japanese black pine

Flower & Garden Magazine, Nov-Dec, 1998 by D. Mark Andrews

Considering its longevity, malleable spirit and tolerance to the elements, the Japanese black pine (Pinus Thunbergiana) is the quintessential symbol of friendship in Japanese gardens around the world.

The black pine's venerable reputation comes from centuries of cultivation in Japan, where it remains the most popular landscape tree. No Japanese garden would be complete without at least one black pine concealing a waterfall or angled over a pond to catch its reflection. Its most enduring quality is its versatile temperament, a trait valued in both trees and friends. The black pine's ability to bring continuity, focus and shelter to nearly any space makes it an ideal addition to gardens in the West.

Introduced to the United States at the end of the 19th century, the Japanese black pine thrives along New York City beaches, despite sandy soil and saltwater spray and in California deserts where, with appropriate watering, it grows to nearly 20 feet. Although hardy to Zone 5, it can grow nearly anywhere there is full sun and well-drained soil, making it an admirable landscape tree.

CONTRAST AND CHANGE

By retaining its essential color, shape and texture year-round, the Japanese black pine brings stability to gardens by providing a permanent element that endures through seasonal changes and countless years. Following Japanese design principles, you can make a small space appear larger. Plant the black pine in the middle of the garden with smaller, fine-textured foliage at the back, thereby creating a diminished perspective. Or plant it in the back of your garden to provide an evergreen backdrop for other flora.

No matter where this tree is planted, it provides an ageless backdrop for seasonal bursts of color and a foil to deciduous flora.

The distinct qualities of the Japanese black pine will challenge your senses. Its deeply fissured black bark that darkens with age; irregular branching; and stiff, dark-green needles give it a rugged appearance. Its long, prickly needles, sheathed in twos, contrast strikingly with the petals of delicate flowers and glossy-leafed shrubs forcing your eyes to wander over the diverse textures and subtle shifts in color. Its cone-shaped body dwells solidly between rounded shrubs and sun-searching flowers, emphasizing balance and integrity. The nutty smell of pine mingles coherently with nearly any garden scent. The combination of pine and jasmine is particularly enjoyable, especially when accompanied by the sun and a calming breeze.

To many Japanese, however, the black pine is most spectacular in winter. While the rest of the garden lies dormant, the Japanese black pine's snow-drenched limbs invariably reveal an undercoat of luxurious dark-green needles, assuring that spring will soon return.

ORIENTATION AND FOCUS

Although the black pine is a versatile garden dweller, it makes its most poignant statement as a specimen tree. A fast-growing pine, it can reach a height of 100 feet. Like most evergreens, the black pine grows slowly in the beginning and shoots up rapidly after a few years, then grows slowly into maturity.

CARING FOR YOUR TREE

The Japanese black pine is a relatively easy tree to integrate into your yard. It can be left to grow as it would in the wild or it can be pruned ornamentally to add personality to your own garden.

Start by choosing a healthy tree about 6 feet tall with flexible branches. It should be densely branched and thickly clothed with dark-green needles. Look for a specimen that has no more than 8 inches between branches on its trunk since it is unlikely that branches will ever grow in these gaps. Oddly shaped or angled trees are particular favorites, since their natural growth tendencies emphasize personality.

When planting, angle your tree slightly in the ground to imitate the effects of the wind over time. Gently loosen roots coiled around the ball before covering with soil. Japanese black pines do not require any fertilizer at planting but should be grown in well-drained soil. If necessary, add peat moss (1 part to every 2 parts soil) to encourage drainage. Black pines do, however, require generous amounts of water until established. If rainfall is light, soak the ground at least once a week to encourage root growth and drought tolerance.

Gnarled and weather-beaten black pines may be bought already trained at nurseries specializing in Japanese flora, but with time and perseverance, you can train a young tree yourself.

To encourage thicker foliage, pinch off about half of each new candle before needles have formed. This will encourage buds to form behind the stub and send out a thick spray of foliage the following year. To maintain the tree's present size and shape, simply remove the candle completely. The desired effect is to exaggerate the tree's natural, spreading form rather than alter its intrinsic character as with a topiary. Furthermore, by shaping and limiting the height of the black pine you also create a healthier and more disease-resistant tree because light and air will more easily reach lower branches and inner areas of the tree.