Fall is progressing quickly, and every day we see changes in the foliage. In particular, the Japanese maples have turned stunning shades of yellow, orange, and red. What a gorgeous time of year! We also have beautiful b&b and container trees in our sales yard, including some Pinus strobus cultivars. If you'd like to come out to look for trees in the field, please call 815-338-7442 or email us to schedule a visit. If there are long stretches of time between good soaking rains, be sure to water your trees and shrubs thoroughly once a week. Keep watering until the ground freezes.
Pinus strobus
Pinus strobus (Eastern White Pine) is a majestic native tree, growing a foot or more a year in ideal conditions. Although the species may be too large for home gardens, cultivars come in smaller sizes and shapes. The upright form 'Fastigiata' has a narrower footprint yet grows to be a tall specimen. 'Stowe Pillar' is an even narrower cultivar.
.
Pinus strobus 'Fastigiata'
There are a number of dwarf mounding specimens. For example, 'Horsford' with its tight round globe grows about 2-3' every ten years. Growing at the same pace, 'Kruger's Lilliput' has shorter needles and looks more diminutive. 'Wiggles' and 'Squiggles' are two new cultivars, with twisted needles, that only grow 1-2' every ten years. Another dwarf with twisted needles, appropriately called 'Mini Twists', starts out as a small globe. Given time it will become a broad pyramid.
.
Pinus strobus 'Mini Twists'
Larger weeping forms such as 'Pendula' and 'Angel Falls' provide a dramatic focal point in any landscape. Each older specimen of 'Pendula' in the field is unique. The slower growing 'Niagara Falls' is dense and usually is not staked up, so the cascading shape is perfect for a rock wall or pond edge.
