Japanese Red Pine 'Ogon'

Japanese red pine 'Ogon' (Pinus densiflora 'Ogon') is a shaft of light in the middle of the garden. Its great attraction is the long foliage, held in pairs, which turns a bright yellow so vivid it looks almost neon. Against dark spruces and yews such a crown simply glows.

Plant it as a specimen wherever a bright accent is wanted, or in a Japanese composition with stone; it is also a classic subject for bonsai. It wants a sunny position, though light shade during the hottest hours is taken calmly. The soil should be moderately moist and well drained: standing water is the one thing this pine will not forgive.

Key characteristics:

• What makes it special: The trunk has a warm orange-red bark that flakes away in handsome plates as the tree matures, so it holds interest even in winter.
• Hardiness: Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3).
• Light: Best in full sun; in a hot climate it happily takes light shade in the afternoon.
• Soil: Happily takes ordinary, moderately moist, well-drained soil; the one thing it will not take is standing water.
• Watering: Water moderately: neither letting the root zone dry out nor keeping it sodden.
• Care: Care is middling in effort, yet a healthy plant in a suitable climate gives hardly any trouble.
• Landscape use: A specimen pine within a composition, and a classic subject for bonsai.