Pinus densiflora ‘Alice Verkade’

This is a fantastic dwarf version of the Japanese Red Pine, one we’ve kept on the nursery for years. Its real appeal is the dense, compact dome of long, soft, bright green needles that hold their colour all year. As the plant gets older, the lower branches can be cleared to show off an attractive reddish-brown bark, giving it the character of a miniature tree.

It’s a slow-growing conifer, eventually forming a low, spreading mound. Expect it to reach around 1 to 1.8 metres high over time. It’s not fussy but does best in a spot with full sun and well-drained soil that is neutral to acidic. It’s very hardy and stands up well to windy spots, making it a good choice for exposed gardens.

Once it’s settled in, ‘Alice Verkade’ is very low-maintenance and shouldn’t need any regular pruning. Just make sure it’s watered well during its first summer. It’s a superb choice for adding architectural shape to Japanese-style gardens, rockeries, or a mixed border needing a solid evergreen anchor.