| Plant of the Month - January 2005 |
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by Chub Harper
Pinus cembra
Swiss Stone Pine (Pinus cembra) gets my nod as one of those aristocratic plants that deserves far more popularity since it is rarely seen in the landscape but it is readily available from many nursery sources. This pine grows as a dense upright pyramid that grows slowly to 35-40' with a spread of 15-20'. It is classified as an intermediate growing conifer based on the *ACS Size Category chart which means it will attain an approximate size of 6' to 15' in 10 years in our Midwest climate. Its well-proportioned slow growth and dense habit make in useful in smaller scale gardens and is an excellent screen plant. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-7. The bluish green needles are in bundles of five and from 3 to 5" long and persist from 3-5 years. The egg-shaped cones are 2-3" long, green-purple at first and then turning purple brown when mature. As with all pines, this plant prefers full sun and well-drained soils to grow and thrive properly and to attain their full beauty and potential. It is relatively free of disease and insect problems and transplants easily. The plant shown in the photo is 25 years of age and is approximately 20' tall and is growing at the Bickelhaupt Arboretum in the Heartland Collection of Garden Conifers. There are a total of seven Swiss Stone Pine growing at the Arboretum including several dwarf and rare forms along with a narrow upright unregistered form named (Looney). All of them have special merit and need to be seen to be appreciated. As with all conifers they have year around interest and can be enjoyed anytime. My favorite time to view conifers is in the spring when new growth is just breaking and the candles on the pines have not expanded fully. At this time there is usually a beautiful contrast of color between the new growth and last years growth and those plants that exhibit bright colored variegations and variations are usually at their prime during this time. There are many hidden plant jewels at the Arboretum. The Heartland Collection of Garden Conifers is of special note. There is a "Plant List" available for this collection so one can do a self guided tour. All of the plants are well labeled for your edification. Reward yourself and visit the Arboretum soon.
*American Conifer Society - Size Categories adopted 2002
About the author: Justin "Chub" Harper had served more than twenty years on the Bickelhaupt Arboretum Board of Directors when he became an Advisory Board member in 2005. As a young man he attended the University of Nebraska College of Agriculture. He developed a life-long interest for different plants such as bearded Iris, Hemerocallis, African Violets, Roses, and Ornamental Grasses. He has developed a passion for collecting and propagating dwarf and rare conifers. In 1963 he began a 24 year tenure as Grounds Maintenance Supervisor at Deere & Company, Administrative Center in Moline, Illinois. He operates "Harper Horticulture Consultants" and continues volunteer arboretum consulting and program presentations. The Bickelhaupt Arboretum is very fortunate to have had Mr. Harper on its Board of Directors and now, its Advisory Board. |