Green Penguin Scots Pine

Pinus sylvestris ‘Green Penguin‘

Other Names: Dwarf Scots Pine, Green Penguin Sylvester Pine

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 2a-7b (East); 2a-8b (West – cool summer climates) Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Coniferous Evergreen Shrub or Small Tree

Height at Maturity: 4′ at 10 years of age

Width at Maturity: 18-24″ at 10 years of age

Spacing: Best as specimen or spaced 3’+ in groupings

Growth Habit / Form: Upright Cone

Growth Rate: Moderate, 3-5″ per year

Foliage Color: Dark Green

Fragrant Foliage: Yes

Sun Needs: Full Sun to Mostly Sun; Will appreciate some filtered sun in the midafternoon in hot summer climates

Water Needs: Average, low when established

Soil Type: Clay (amend heavy clay to ensure good drainage), Loam, Sandy, Silt

Soil Drainage: Moist But Well Drained – does not tolerate standing water or constantly wet soil

Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5

Maintenance / Care: Very Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Cold (-50F), Deer, Drought (when established)

Description

A charming little coniferous evergreen for the miniature garden, Pinus sylvestris ‘Green Penguin’ forms a dense pyramid of dark green needles with a wider bottom and narrower top that give it the appearance of a penguin, hence the name. It also forms curious buds of new growth at the ends of stems in late summer. The foliage holds its rich deep color throughout the year. A slow grower adding maybe 3 to 5 inches in height per year, you might expect a 4 foot tall by 18 inch wide specimen at 10 years of age. Very low maintenance, green Penguin never requires pruning to keep its dense form. It is drought tolerant when established and we’ve heard it can handle temperatures as low as -50F. A distinctive accent in a small rock, conifer or patio garden and also suitable for containers situated on patios, balconies, decks and other outdoor living spaces.

Jim Lewis, now of J. Farms, Amity, Oregon discovered the original plant in a flat of Scots pine seedlings in the late 1990s while working at a nursery in Park Rapids, Minnesota. In an interview with David Olszyk, Jim stressed how hardy the tree is, having withstood the coldest winters Minnesota can offer. He recalled holding up the seedling, asking his co-workers if he should keep it or toss it out as compost. He was glad to have kept it as it is now the “crown jewel” of his discoveries.

Landscape & Garden Uses

The Green Penguin Scots Pine is ideal for use as a specimen or in spaced groupings in small garden beds and containers. A fine addition to miniature gardens, conifer gardens, Asian gardens and rock gardens

Suggested Spacing: 4′ or more apart in spaced groupings

Growing Preferences

The Green Penguin Scots Pine is easy to grow in a moist but well-drained soil of average fertility and full to mostly sun. It has high drought tolerance when established. As with so many other conifers, constantly soggy or wet soils can be problematic; leading to root rot or other harmful plant diseases. So make sure to plant this one in well-drained soil, whether in the ground or in pots. It retains its dense pyramidal form with no pruning needed.

Plant as you would a Mugo Pine….

How To Plant a Mugo Pine

How To Prune Pines

Plant Long & Prosper!

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