Pinus nigra ssp. nigra f. ROBUSTA

Austrian (black) pine was first classified by Austrian botanist Johann Arnold in 1785. It is a hardy tree which escaped Austria in early 20th century, and can now 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 slower growth, smaller size or different habit suitable for common-sized gardens.

Robusta is a black pine selection. It makes shorter, 6-8 cm long, dark green, slightly glossy, erect, stiff needles in bundles of two. It grows medium fast (20-30 cm per year) and very well-branched even as a young plant. It forms a symmetrical, bushy tree keeping its lower branches and growing slower if fully insolated top to toe, otherwise (especially in forests) it quickly looses lower branches and grows faster towards the sun. A beautiful specimen tree for mid-sized and large gardens.

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 where it will be prone to lose older needles sooner.

Last update 06-03-2020