Japanese White Pine 'Sea Urchin'

Pine 'Sea Urchin' (Pinus strobus 'Sea Urchin') is a tiny globe of long, soft, silvery-blue needles held in bundles of five. The name says it: the dense shoots bristle in every direction.

Plant it as a miniature accent in a rockery, on an alpine bed, in a container or at the very front of a border, where a full-sized pine would be out of place. In 10 years it reaches only 0.45-0.6 m in height and width, so it needs no restraining pruning and stays for years just as you bought it.

Key characteristics:

• What makes it special: Despite its tiny size, this is one of the hardiest of pines: it takes down to -40 °C, USDA zone 3.
• Dimensions: At 10 years: 0.45-0.6 m tall and 0.45-0.6 m wide.
• Hardiness: Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3).
• Light: Best in a sunny spot; the species tolerates part shade too, but the crown is then less dense.
• Soil: Good drainage is the key; the species prefers acid soil and dislikes compacted clays.
• Watering: Water moderately, never letting it stand wet; once established the plant takes drought calmly.
• Care: Once a year clear the dry needles out of the centre of the bush - left in place they invite fungal disease.
• Landscape use: Made for rockeries and alpine gardens, and equally at home in a container, at the front of a border or in a city courtyard.
• Origin: The cultivar was selected by Dr Sidney Waxman in Storrs, Connecticut, in the late 1970s and raised from a witch's broom.