Pinus sylvestris Norska - Scots Pine

The Pinus sylvestris Norska is a variety of Scots Pine more suitable for medium-sized gardens than the species. It generally does not exceed 12m (39 ft 5 in) in height and its growth is slower. In addition, this conifer tolerates pruning well and can be shaped as desired. Its bluish-green foliage is decorative and contrasts well with branches with orange bark. This variety has retained the robustness of the species, it is very hardy, adaptable to different (non-calcareous) soils, and not sensitive to pollution. A beautiful conifer to plant in full sun, even in a city garden.

The Pinus sylvestris is a conifer of the Pineaceae family widely distributed throughout northern Europe and Asia Minor. Its range is exceptionally vast, from the south of the Iberian Peninsula to the Scottish Highlands, to Manchuria, the Turkish mountains, and extreme northern Siberia. This testifies to its extreme adaptability to many growing conditions. It is a common species in French mountains, particularly in dry montane areas. It is a light-loving species, adapted to drought and extreme cold, tolerant of poor soils but susceptible to limestone. This tree reaches 30-40m (98 ft 5 in-131 ft 2 in) in height in its natural habitat and generally has a rounded crown on a tall, straight trunk. However, depending on its habitat, this pine takes on a wide variety of forms. Its lifespan is around 200 years.

This Norwegian selection "Norska" stands out for its smaller size, making it suitable for planting in typical gardens, while the typical Scots Pine is more suited to large open spaces and parks. 'Norska' has a rather slow growth, reaching about 10 to 12m (32 ft 10 in to 39 ft 5 in) in height and 4 to 5m (13 ft 1 in to 16 ft 5 in) in width at maturity. This variety naturally takes on a conical shape, with lower branches tending to disappear with age due to lack of sufficient light. The conical crown is very dense and the bluish-green foliage is rather decorative. The needles, grouped in pairs, are relatively short (about 5cm (2 in)) and slightly curved. The yellow spring flowering is quite discreet, while the pendant brown cones are isolated or grouped in clusters. The bark of the branches is very attractive with its beautiful orange colour, which darkens with age, becoming grayish brown and peeling off in strips.

With its slightly wild appearance, this Pinus sylvestris Norska will be perfect in a natural garden, where it can be planted alongside an Amelanchier canadensis to create an attractive scene all year round, combining spring white flowering, decorative fruits, autumn colouration, and evergreen foliage. Birches will also be good companions in the same spirit, as well as the beautiful Kashmir Rowan, with its light foliage and white winter berries that will brighten up the evergreen foliage of our 'Norska' Pine.