Pinus x schwerinii

Schwerin’s pine is an interspecies cross between Himalayan pine and Weymouth pine. It was found by the earl Schwerin in his park in Wilmersdorf (near Berlin) in 1905 and has become a collectors’ item ever since.

Schwerin’s pine is a picturesque conifer of irregular, somewhat pyramidal habit and gorgeous needles. They are about 10 cm long, silvery blue-green, and always pendent. In summer numerous light green, slim cones are produced mostly at the top of the plant. It grows moderately and is often left unpruned since many gardeners are eager to see what shape their pine will make on its own.

All pines love sunny sites and dislike wet ground. Though, this pine benefits from constant moisture and makes extra beautiful plants when it does not suffer from drought. Its root system can get used to sites near ponds and water streams and will benefit from extra humidity brought by presence of water features. It can live on either fertile of poor soil. Hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 11-02-2013