Mugo Pine ( Pinus mugo ) is a metal money of conifer aboriginal to in high spirits lift home ground in southwestern to Central Europe and Southeast Europe , that is , the subalpine zones of the Pyrenees , Alps , Ore Mountains , Carpathians , northern and central Apennines , and higher Balkan Peninsula mountains . It is also known as dwarf mountain true pine , mint pine , scrub hatful pine , Swiss lot pine , bog pine , creeping pine , or mugo pine . The tree has dark green leaves ( needles ) in duo , which are 3–7 centimeters ( 1 + 1⁄4–2 + 3⁄4 inches ) long .
Pinus mugo , usually called mugo pine or Swiss mountain pine , is a varying coinage that is most often realize as a bushy , multi - stemmed shrub or broad - rounded small tree to 3 - 6 meters tall . Mature plants typically exhibit a obtuse habit , usually develop wider than tall . Mugo pine is also go out in more flat forms as well as in taller trees that will grow to as much as 10 meters . It is commonly used in rock and roll gardens , mass plantings , and mixed groupings with broadleaf plants . This Pine is among the most pop and easiest evergreens to produce in North America . This dwarf coniferous tree is incredibly cold-blooded - hardy and well withstands temperature down to minus 50 ° fluorine ,
Characteristics
Distribution of Mugo Pine
The mugo true pine ( Pinus mugo ) is aboriginal to high EL home ground in southwestern to Central Europe and Southeast Europe . Its distribution include the Balkans , Alps , Carpathians , Pyrenees , and other European tidy sum ranges . Specifically , it is witness from 1,000 to 2,200 meters ( 3,281 to 7,218 feet ) above sea level , on occasion as low as 200 meters ( 656 feet ) in the due north of its kitchen stove in Germany and Poland , and as gamey as 2,700 meters ( 8,858 feet ) in the south of its range in Bulgaria and the Pyrenees .
In the Pyrenees , the western subspecies , Pinus mugo subsp . uncinata , tag the alpine tree line or timberline , the edge of the home ground at which trees are capable of growing . This subspecies is also found in the westerly Alps and northern Carpathians .
The mugo pine is also discover in the subalpine zones of the Pyrenees , Alps , Ore Mountains , Carpathians , northern and central Apennines , and higher Balkan Peninsula mountains , such as Rila , Pirin , Korab , and the Accursed Mountains .
In Scandinavia , Finland , and the Baltic region , P. mugo was introduce in the late 1700s and 1800s for sand dune stabilization and later as cosmetic plant life . In Denmark , Norway , and Sweden , it has naturalized and become invasive , displacing flimsy dune and dune heathland habitats . In Estonia and Lithuania , it only now and again naturalizes external Plantation , sometimes ground in raised bogs .
In New Zealand , P. mugo is classified as a wilding conifer and spreads as an encroaching species in the mellow country and coastal areas of Scandinavia .
Subspecies Variations
There are three primary race :
Growth Rate of Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo)
The ontogeny charge per unit of Mugo Pine ( Pinus mugo ) is more often than not consider to be slow to medium .
Cultivation
Soil requirement
Mugo Pines prefer well - drain filth . They flourish in loamy or sandy soils but can tolerate a range of ground type , including more or less acidic to slightly alkaline dirt .
Sunlight
These pines grow best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade . Ensure they receive at least 6 hour of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth .
lacrimation
Young Mugo Pines need even watering to keep the dirt moist . Once established , they are somewhat drought - tolerant . piss deeply but infrequently to promote deep theme increase .
Planting Time
The good fourth dimension to found Mugo Pines is in the spring or fall when temperature are balmy . This allow the roots to make before the extreme high temperature of summer or the coldness of winter .
Spacing
When planting multiple Mugo Pines , space them at least 1.5 to 2 measure aside to allow for their mature gap and to insure practiced air circulation .
Mulching
use a layer of mulch around the stand of the tree diagram to retain soil wet , regulate soil temperature , and suppress weeds . Keep the mulch a few centimeters off from the torso to preclude bunk .
impregnation
Mugo Pines more often than not do not require much fertilization . If the territory is poor , you could apply a balanced , sluggish - release fertilizer in the spring . annul over - fertilizing , as this can lead to excessive growth and weaken the flora .
Pruning
Prune Mugo Pines yearly in late winter or early spring to assert their soma and size of it . move out any deadened , damaged , or diseased branches . For a more thick growth habit , you’re able to also nip back the new growth ( candles ) in the spring .
Pest and Disease Management
Mugo Pines are comparatively pest and disease - resistant . However , they can occasionally be affected by pine needle graduated table , aphids , or fungal disease . on a regular basis inspect your plant life and care for any issues promptly with appropriate cadence .
Winter Protection
In colder climates , new Mugo Pines may benefit from some winter protection . Apply a layer of mulch around the foundation and consider using burlap to shield them from harsh tip and heavy C .
