Pinus parviflora Ogon-goyo - Japanese White Pine

Pinus parviflora 'Ōgon-goyo' is a reduced form of the Japanese White Pine, with slow growth and a very Japanese habit, naturally irregular, spreading and compact throughout its life. Its somewhat whimsical silhouette is unique to each individual, adorned in spring with pretty red buds emerging from cream to golden needles, then greenish-blue, and adorned with small decorative brown cones. Like all Japanese pines, it tolerates pruning very well, allowing for the creation of a living sculpture over time. It is an ideal variety for pots and rockeries. Undemanding and very frugal, this small conifer prefers sun and well-drained soils.

Pinus parviflora, also known as Japanese White Pine or Five-Needle Pine, is a plant of the pine family native to forests located at altitudes between 1300 and 1800m (4265 and 5905ft), in the Japanese islands. In its natural environment, this species can exceed 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 shaped into bonsai.

Still little known in Europe, the variety 'Ōgon-goyo', derived from this species, stands out for its reduced size and its unique habit, both pyramidal, irregular and spreading, specific to each individual. Its dynamic growth is supported by a compact and ramified framework, composed of beautiful foliage mixing cream, light gold and bluish-green. Its growth is rather slow, at 10 years old, it will not exceed 1m (3ft) in all directions. Its slightly twisted branches, covered with a dark brown-black bark, bear medium-sized needles measuring 4 to 6cm (2in) long. They are somewhat spiralled, grouped in fives and arranged in dense tufts, in a helical pattern. In spring, its red buds contrast with light green shoots emerging from darker bluish foliage. The reflections that can be seen are due to the presence of blue and silvery lines on the green background of the needles. The bark of this small tree exfoliates in scaly plates over time.

The Japanese White Pine 'Ōgon-goyo' will find its place in all gardens, from the north to the south (in not too scorching exposure), as its Japanese origins do not prevent it from flourishing in very different climates. In small spaces, this timeless small tree will stand out when planted alone and will also bring majesty to a rockery or a border. It will of course form a magnificent specimen that will enhance a balcony or terrace, and will work wonders in a Japanese garden. It pairs well with large stones, the geometric lines of pools and masonry work. It can be associated with complementary grasses or sacred bamboo, in a very 'zen' spirit. The 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 blooms. These plants, with their reassuring permanence, structure a border in the long term, mark pathways, border terraces, easily substituting for the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. The key is to play with volumes and colours.