Black Pine Marie Bregeon

Black Pine Marie Bregeon (Pinus Nigra Marie Bregeon) – a cultivar of coniferous trees of the species Black Pine in the family Pinaceae. The cultivar was developed by Swiss breeder Henri Bregeon as a result of a controlled cross between pinus nigra and pinus densiflora. Patented in the USA (PP13870) in 2001.

It is a dwarf tree with a dense rounded form, 50-70 cm in diameter and up to 1 m in height. It grows slowly, 5-9 cm per year.

The needles are light green, soft, glossy, arranged spirally, and persist on the tree for 3-4 years.

Flowers are small and inconspicuous, appearing in May. Male flowers are yellow catkins, female flowers are greenish-red cones of an ovoid shape, sometimes somewhat elongated.

Hardiness zone: 5-8 (to -29°C).

Location: light-loving, can tolerate light lateral shading. Not demanding regarding soil fertility, does not like compaction. Can grow on rocky soils, tolerates salinity. Resistant to urban conditions. Does not suffer from heat and drought, wind-resistant. Grows well on well-drained sandy soils. Not very demanding in moisture.

Planting: Planting hole depth – 0.8-1 m. Root collar at ground level. Distance between plants 3-4 m. On heavy soils with excess moisture it is recommended to make a 20 cm drainage layer. Soil mix: sand, peat and topsoil in a ratio of 2:1:1 – for planting in neutral soils. For acidic soils add 200-300 g of lime per hole. Add superphosphate 150 g per hole to the planting mix; in autumn – phosphorus-potassium fertilizers.

Care: In the second year after planting, apply a complete fertilizer, and in the second half of summer – phosphorus-potassium fertilizers 40-50 g per 10 l of water. Young pines may suffer from winter burn; to protect them it is recommended to cover with winter conifer boughs.

Pruning: has a naturally attractive crown shape and only requires sanitary pruning.

Diseases and pests: High resistance to diseases and pests.

Propagation: propagated by grafting onto a stem

Uses: for creating rockeries, alpine gardens and heather gardens. Recommended for home gardens, for various colorful compositions with other conifers.