Japanese Red Pine 'Oculus-draconis'

The 'Dragon's Eye' pine (Pinus densiflora 'Oculus Draconis') — one of the most striking ornamental cultivars of the Japanese red pine, prized for its unique "hypnotic" look.

1. The main feature: the 'Eye' effect

The cultivar got its name from the distinctive colouring of its foliage. Each needle has two yellow stripes. If you look at the shoot from above (along the axis), the alternation of green and yellow colours creates concentric circles reminiscent of the pupil of a reptile or a dragon.

2. Appearance and form

• Foliage: Long (up to 12 cm), gathered into bundles of two. It is soft to the touch, and in winter the yellow tints can become even brighter.
• Crown: At a young age the form is somewhat irregular, shrub-like. Over time the tree stretches out and becomes broadly cone-shaped or umbrella-shaped, often with picturesque bends of the trunk in the Japanese style.
• Bark: Has a beautiful orange-red or red-brown tint, which with age begins to flake off attractively in plates.

3. Growth characteristics

• Growth rate: Medium. The annual growth is about 15–30 cm.
• Dimensions: By 10 years the tree usually reaches 2–2.5 metres in height. As an adult it can grow up to 5 metres, depending on conditions and shaping.