Pinus pinea aka Umbrella Pine

Taxonomy

Pinus pinea, also known as the stone pine, Italian stone pine, Mediterranean stone pine, umbrella pine, and parasol pine, is a tree from the pine family (Pinaceae). It is native to the Mediterranean region, specifically Southern Europe and the Levant, but has been introduced to North Africa, the Canary Islands, South Africa, and New South Wales. This evergreen conifer is characterized by its round-topped shape and stiff, dark green needles that can grow up to 15cm long. The cones of Pinus pinea are rounded-ovoid and shiny light brown, measuring up to 15cm in length. Fully mature, it can reach a height of 15-20m. Stone pines have been cultivated for their edible pine nuts since ancient times and are commonly found in gardens and parks worldwide. It has even received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. While it is a diagnostic species of the vegetation class Pinetea halepensis, it can also be cultivated in regions outside the Mediterranean with proper winter protection. However, being not hardy, it requires a winter shelter or can be grown as a potted plant indoors during cold weather. With a lifespan of up to 250 years, the pine tree embodies a Mediterranean flair and is recognized by its umbrella-shaped crown and long needles.

Common names

Umbrella Pine, Pignolia Nut Pine, Stone Pine

How to care for Umbrella Pine

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Umbrella Pine due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Umbrella Pine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Umbrella Pine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Umbrella Pine thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Stone Pine.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Umbrella Pine to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Umbrella Pine grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

Umbrella Pine grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Umbrella Pine’s native range is S. Europe around the Mediterranean.


More info:
Wikipedia