Mountain Pine Humpy

Mountain pine Humpy (Pinus mugo Humpy) - a dwarf shrub with a compact flattened-oval crown when young and a somewhat cushion-like asymmetric form when more mature. The shrub reaches 0.8-1 m in height and 1.5 m in width. A very slow-growing form, annual increase 4 cm in height and 6-8 cm in width. At age 10 it reaches 0.3 m in height and 0.5 m in diameter. Bark ranges from grayish-brown to dark gray. Skeletal shoots are densely arranged, short, thick, numerous, grow unevenly, are strongly branched, arise from the trunk at an acute angle, and are directed sideways and upwards. Root system shallow, sparsely branched. Needles are grouped in bundles of 2, falcate, twisted, short, glossy, dark green; on young shoots they are tightly appressed, and on older ones – spreading. In winter the needles acquire a grayish-brown tint. Needle length 4.5-5.5 mm. In the winter period it looks very striking with numerous reddish-brown buds. Cones are ovoid, 2-4 cm long, dark brown in color.

Location: the plant is sun-loving; it grows worse in places with slight shading. Poorly tolerates high temperatures with low humidity. Not demanding regarding soils; grows from moderately dry to moist and even on nutrient-poor soils, from acidic to alkaline. Requires drainage. Resistant to urban conditions. Not harmed by snowfall.

Usage: Used in alpine rockeries, heather, rocky and Japanese gardens, for retaining walls, on the edge of ponds, along paths. Shows well in groups of 3-5 specimens. Suitable for container cultivation.