Pinus parviflora Bergman - Japanese White Pine

Pinus parviflora 'Bergman', with its unique silhouette reminiscent of a small tornado in motion,  is a unique dwarf conifer. This curious white pine from Japan, with a generally pyramidal habit, produces multiple branches, eventually forming a broader than tall bouquet composed of twisted branches. Its foliage, also remarkable, consists of twisted blue-green needles, and is adorned in spring with small red pollen sacs that are very striking. Perfectly original, this variety is also very tolerant of soil conditions and very undemanding. Ideal in pots, rock gardens, flower beds, or in a small garden.

Pinus parviflora, also known as the five-needle pine, is a plant from the Pinaceae family native to forests located at altitudes between 1300 and 1800m (4265 and 5905ft), in the Japanese islands. In its natural environment, this species exceeds 20m (66ft) in height and has a pyramidal habit, often as wide as it is tall, with a dense conical crown. Appreciated for its wood in Japan, this elegant species has given rise to very beautiful forms, often trained as bonsai.

Still difficult to find, the 'Bergman' variety, derived from this species, stands out for its very small size and characteristic habit, unique in its genus. Its twisted structure is composed of multiple branches, as if several bushes coexisted on the same subject. The overall habit is that of a pyramid wider than it is tall. Its growth is very slow, so that at 10 years old, it will not exceed 45cm (18in) in height and will have a 90cm (35in) wingspan at the base. At maturity, this plant will measure 90cm (35in) in height and 1.20m (4ft) in width. The slightly twisted branches wrap around an imaginary axis and are densely covered with fairly short and twisted needles measuring from 4 to 6cm (2in) long. They are grouped in fives and arranged in dense clusters, more numerous at the ends of the branches. Their glaucous appearance with a green-blue hue is due to the presence of blue and silver lines on a green background. The bark of this small tree exfoliates in scaly patches over time. The appearance of the bush can depend on the rootstock used for its cultivation.

The Japanese white pine 'Bergman' is a unique and endearing small tree, and so undemanding that it will find its place in all gardens, as its Japanese origins do not prevent it from flourishing under very different climates. In small spaces, it will look good when planted alone and will also gently and majestically animate a rock garden or flower bed. In a pot, it will of course make a magnificent feature that will enhance a balcony or terrace, and will integrate perfectly into a Japanese garden. It goes well with large stones, geometric lines of swimming pools, and masonry works. It can be associated with complementary grasses or sacred bamboos. The real graphic qualities of conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over the dance of flowering. These plants with their reassuring permanence structurally define a flower bed, mark the pathways, border the terrace, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. The key is to play with volumes and colours.