Heldreich's pine 'Compact Gem'

Synonyms: white-barked pine 'Compact Gem', Bosnian pine 'Compact Gem'

Heldreich's pine «Compact Gem» (Pinus heldreichii 'Compact Gem') – a cultivar of Heldreich's pine. The cultivar first appeared for sale in England in 1964 at Hiller Nursery.

It is a dwarf coniferous tree with a conical, broadly pyramidal, dense crown. At 10 years it reaches 1.5 m in height. With age the conical crown shape is retained. In youth it grows slowly; in maturity the annual growth is 10–15 cm per year. Bark is dark gray. Branches are densely arranged. Shoots are directed diagonally upward, short and dense.

Needles dense, dark green, in pairs, stiff, glossy.

Cones brown, ovoid in shape, borne on a short stalk.

Hardiness zone: 5-8 (-23°C).

Location: undemanding, grows well even on the driest, poor soils, does not tolerate waterlogging. Prefers fresh, well-drained sandy and loamy soils. Prefers full sun.

Propagation: propagated by grafting.

Diseases: resistant to most diseases.

Pests: aphids, adelgids, mites, sawflies, bark beetles.

Uses: used in group and solitary plantings on open sites. Suitable for landscaping parks and large gardens.