How to Grow and Care for Eastern white pine

Eastern white pine, also known as Weymouth pine, Soft pine, Tree of peace, Northern white pine

Eastern white pine is generally regarded as a low-maintenance species favorable to novice gardeners. Key care points include providing full sun to partial shade and ensuring well-draining soil. Special care should be taken to protect eastern white pine from strong winds and to provide adequate space for its mature size. Regular watering during dry spells is beneficial, especially for young trees.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

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Planting and Growing Eastern white pine

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil pH	4.5-6
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	4-9

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Varieties of Eastern white pine

Eastern white pine 'Densa'

Eastern white pine 'Densa' (Pinus strobus 'Densa') is a dwarf cultivar of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) but is much slower-growing with an irregular growth pattern. These plants have short pines with a smoky-blue tint. They grow dense clusters of branches, making them popular to use as hedges or other garden borders.

Eastern white pine 'Blue Shag'

Eastern white pine 'Blue Shag' is distinct for its small, globose form and short, blue-green needles. A cultivar of Pinus strobus, it gets its name from those needles, which are soft to the touch and appear in bundles of five. As a dwarf cultivar, eastern white pine 'Blue Shag' does not exceed 1.2 m in height.

Eastern white pine 'Pendula'

The eastern white pine 'Pendula' generates green or blue-green needles in clusters. Compared to its parent Pinus strobus, this is a semi-dwarf variety that will grow to heights of 1.8 to 4.5 m. Unlike some pine trees, the eastern white pine 'Pendula' has branches that grow in a drooping, pendular manner.

Eastern white pine 'Tiny Kurls'

Eastern white pine 'Tiny Kurls' is a dwarf white pine that is almost unrecognizable from the parent plant. This low-growing, 1.8 m, tree has exceptionally long and curled (hence the name) green-white needles. By contrast, there are long-living examples of the parent tree that grow to over 50 m. It is a unique talking point of a feature tree for ornamental gardens.

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More General Info About Eastern white pine

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Eastern white pine is distinguished by its gymnosperm classification and features branches and twigs in whorled arrangements, typical of its kind. It boasts needles that are bluish-green, soft, and pliable, growing in clusters of five. These needles tend to measure 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long. The tree exhibits narrow, cylindrical cones that can reach lengths of 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters), with cone scales that have a distinctive whitened tip at the apex. Mature specimens achieve heights of 50 to 80 feet (15 to 24 meters) and widths of 20 to 40 feet (6 to 12 meters).