Austrian Pine 'Spielberg'

Austrian Pine 'Spielberg' (Pinus nigra 'Spielberg') on a standard is a dense green pompom on a stem. The long, stiff dark green needles come in pairs and point upwards, so the crown looks full and slightly tousled while still holding a clear shape.

A 30-50 cm standard lifts this ball to exactly eye level, so the plant is used as an accent: in a rock garden, by the entrance, in a container or in a small bed. The pine needs full sun and a deep, well-drained soil, and it takes up very little room in plan.

Key characteristics:

• What makes it special: Austrian pine takes urban air in its stride and is left alone by deer - a rare combination for so ornamental a ball.
• Hardiness: Hardy to -34 °C (USDA zone 4).
• Light: Full sun only: in shade the crown thins and loses its shape.
• Soil: It loves deep, moderately moist and well-drained soil, and stands clay soils too.
• Watering: Watering is moderate, and once established the pine takes dry spells calmly.
• Care: Keep an eye out for Sphaeropsis (Diplodia) tip blight and Dothistroma needle blight, and cut out affected shoots.
• Landscape use: It works as a specimen and an accent, and in its species form also as a screen and a windbreak.