Pinus heldreichii Malinkii - Bosnian Pine

The Pinus heldreichii Malinkii is a very rare small-sized Bosnian pine in cultivation that deserves to be discovered for its ease of cultivation and adaptability to a wide range of soils and climates. While not spectacular, this small conifer slowly forms an attractive pyramid of emerald green colour, which is decorative even in winter, elegantly structuring all small spaces, from rockeries to terraces and well-ordered flower beds.

The Pinus heldreichii is an evergreen plant of the Pinaceae family, native to the mountains of southeastern Europe, from southwestern Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, through Macedonia, to northern Greece and southern Italy. It grows between 900 and 2,500 meters (2952 feet 10 inches and 8 feet 2 inches) in altitude and reaches a height of 25 to 35 meters (82 to 114 feet 10 inches) and forms a trunk with a diameter of 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches) in its natural environment. A champion of longevity, this well-groomed conical tree can live for more than 1000 years.

The 'Milinkii' variety is distinguished from the wild species mainly by its smaller size and much denser vegetation. Its growth is very slow, so that after 10 years, it forms a fairly wide pyramid, reaching about 1.50 meters (4 feet 11 inches) in height and 1 meter (3 feet 4 inches) in width. Its trunk bears upright branches, from which sprout branches covered with fine and very short needles, grouped in pairs, the base of which is enclosed in a persistent sheath. They are arranged in broad brushes. The large brown buds that appear in September at the end of the branches form a pleasant contrast with the emerald green foliage. The young spring shoots are a lighter, very vivid green.

The dwarf Bosnian pine 'Malinkii' will find its place in all gardens, even of modest size, and will bring a lot of satisfaction over time. It can be planted in rockeries or flower beds, associated with other conifers or shrubs. This beautiful conifer is ideal for decorating balconies or terraces without causing any worries for many years. It works wonders in contemporary or French gardens and goes well with large stones, geometric lines of pools, and masonry works. It can be associated with complementary grasses, sacred bamboo, or prostrate (Juniperus horizontalis Blue Chip), globose (Picea abies Little Gem), or columnar (Juniperus communis 'Sentinel') dwarf conifers.