Mugo pine 'Winter Gold'

Mugo pine Winter Gold (Pinus mugo “Winter gold”). Family: Pinaceae. The cultivar was bred in the Netherlands (Draijer, Heemstede) in 1969. Distributed in Southern and Central Europe.

It is a small shrub of globular form, 1 m in height and 1.5 m in diameter. A slow-growing plant, annual increase up to 4 cm per year. The crown is dense, compact, cushion-shaped. Shoots are densely arranged, appressed to the ground, vertical. Bark gray-brown. Root system deep, well-branched. Needles stiff, short, glossy. Collected in bundles of 2 needles. In summer the needles are a delicate light green, in autumn they become bright yellow, and closer to winter they acquire a golden-brown color. Cones small, 2–4 cm long, brown in color.

Hardiness zone: 4

Location: prefers sunny, open sites. Not demanding regarding soil, can grow on soils from acidic to alkaline. Does not tolerate waterlogging. Drought-resistant, frost-hardy. Tolerant of urban conditions.

Planting: distance between plants at least 1.5–4 m. Planting pit depth 0.8–1 m. The root collar is placed at ground level. Drainage of sand and gravel is necessary. When planting it is necessary to add nitroammofoska or humus-rich soil.

Care: regular loosening and mulching of the soil is recommended. During the 2 seasons after planting mineral fertilizers should be applied (30–40 g/m²). In the autumn period it requires a deep watering to replenish moisture.

Pruning: if necessary the crown can be thickened by partial pruning of one-year-old shoots. Requires sanitary pruning.

Uses: for ornamental plantings in rock gardens, stone hills, small lawns, and heather gardens. Looks attractive against the backdrop of early spring flowers.