Pinus sylvestris ‘Wateri’

‘Watereri’ is a slow-growing, densely branched form of our native Scots pine. The paired needles are blue-green and slightly twisted, which gives the plant a soft textured look in contrast to the reddish flaking bark beneath.

Left alone it becomes broader than tall, eventually reaching around 3 to 6m in time, much slower than the species and easier to accommodate in a garden setting.

Plant in full sun in well-drained, drier soils. It copes with poor ground, exposed sites, coastal conditions and drought. No pruning needed, though it takes well to shaping for bonsai or niwaki-style work.

Brilliant for a windy coastal garden, a gravel or rock garden, or as a slow specimen in a large pot.