code: 5049
This classic, truly dwarf mugho pine lends refined elegance to the rock garden or trough. Dense, upright branches are covered with uniform bunches of short, green needles, which contribute a smooth appearance to the low, compact mound. Waxy white buds decorate the slow-growing conifer and add to its year-round interest.
Hardy to -50°F
Maximum Elevation: 8,000 ft.
Light
While mugo pines will tolerate part shade at the northern end of their range (zones 2 to 5), these regions will see better performance if they are planted in full sun. Part shade may be preferable when growing them at the southern end of their range (zones 5 to 7).
Soil
Mugo pine trees are not fussy about soil pH and can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil. They are also tolerant of various soil types, provided it drains well; they do not like wet, dense soil. These shrubs do well in sandy soil, provided it has some organic matter in it.
Water
While your mugo pine is young, water as needed throughout summer so that the ground never dries out completely. Once established, mature shrubs are moderately drought-tolerant and need less frequent watering.
Temperature and Humidity
Dwarf cultivars generally can survive both hot summers and cold winters. They rarely suffer winter burn on the foliage from the drying winds of winter, as do arborvitae and some other evergreens.
Fertilizer
You can fertilize your mugo annually with compost or another organic soil amendment. They typically do not need applied fertilizers, though a spring application may help those grown in containers.
Pruning Mugo Pine Trees
People sometimes plant mugo pine trees under the false assumption that they are all dwarfs. The result of this poor plant selection is that the homeowners end up with plants too big for the space in which they are growing. This drawback is somewhat offset by mugo pines’ slow growth rate. But if you find yourself with a mugo pine that is growing beyond the dwarf size you were expecting, you can shape the plant in spring by removing the central shoots of new growth (called “candles”). Pruning these central candles by half their length will create a very dense, compact plant.
Growing Mugo Pines in Containers
Small mugo pines work well in containers and can be left outdoors all winter in most climates. These are some of the smallest cultivars:
- ‘Paul’s Dwarf’ grows to 2 to 3 feet tall in 10 years; it has short needles and is hardy to zone 2.
- ‘Honeycomb’ grows to 4 feet tall in 10 years; its needles turn gold in winter This plant is hardy to zone 3
- ‘Gnom’: grows to 4 feet tall in 10 years, but is relatively wide at 5 feet. It is hardy to zone 2.
When growing mugo pines in containers, it’s important to water them weekly during the growing season. As winter approaches, keep them well watered until the soil freezes. You can then stop watering as long as the soil remains frozen. Once the soil thaws in spring, or during warm spells in winter, water as soon as possible. Return to the regular watering schedule once the temperature rises for the season.
Container plants should be fed once in the spring, using a slow-release fertilizer.
Common Pests/ Diseases
Most dwarf mugo pines are virtually maintenance-free, barring any insect or disease problems, which are not common. Mugo pines are rarely infested with bugs or plagued by diseases, but gardeners in some regions should watch out for pine sawfly and pine needle scale, as well as various moths and borers, tip blight, rots, and rusts.
Insecticidal soaps are the first option for treating most insects, but you can progress to chemical pesticides if necessary. Fungicides applied in the spring can be used if your shrub suffers from a fungal disease.
Landscape Uses
‘Mops’ and other short mugo pines can function effectively as a low hedge or ground cover as well as foundation plantings or as evergreens for rock gardens. They can also be used as specimen plants in a mixed border. Some cultivars are used as bonsai specimens.
