Pinus nigra 'GREEN TOWER'

Austrian (black) pine is a hardy tree which escaped Austria in early 20th century, and now can be found all around Europe, down to Turkey, and in North Africa. Hard to say if Mother Nature needed a stronger substitute for more tender species in the ever changing climate, or whether this one is simply invasive. In any case its more than a century old journey has proved its toughness and durability, no wonder that new varieties are being bred and selected. They generally offer a much shorter growth and different habit suitable for common-sized gardens.

Green Tower is a fastigiate and dwarf variety of Austrian pine. It was found as a seedling, possibly of Pyramidalis variety, by Martin Zimmer in late 1990's. It has about 10 cm, stiff, dark green needles borne in whorls of 2. It grows slowly - 20 cm per year and makes a very narrow tree which will fit almost any garden. Its branches are strong and do not bend under a fresh load of wet snow.

Pines need full sun and well-drained soil that will not be too alkaline. No fertilizing required. Pruning is possible in late winter or late summer, never cut into branches which lack needles. You can shape the tree by removing or trimming "candles" - young new shoots before they develop proper-size needles. Austrian pine is commonly hardy to about -40°C (USDA zone 3) and this variety is supposed to withstand at least -34°C (USDA zone 4). It is also hardy for growing in a container were it will be prone to lose older needles sooner.

Last update 10-11-2018