Pinus mugo Picobello - Dwarf Mountain Pine

Pinus mugo 'Picobello' forms a small, prostrate, hemispherical bush. It is a miniature mountain pine that is not very demanding and can fit anywhere in the garden or on the terrace. Its small branches, resembling brushes, are densely covered with short, dark green needles. Due to its excessively reduced development and very slow growth, it is perfectly suited for a small garden, can liven up a rockery or stand out in a container on the terrace. It is an extremely hardy conifer that does not require pruning. It is content with any well-drained but moist soil and prefers a sunny exposure. This variety is not fond of hot and dry climates.

Pinus mugo, also known as mountain pine, is an evergreen conifer from the pine family endemic to the mountains of Europe. It is found at the subalpine level, avoiding the summer heat, from the Spanish sierras, through the high alpine and Pyrenean massifs, to the Balkans. It only descends to an altitude of 200 metres (656 feet) in Central Europe. In nature, it slowly reaches 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet) in all directions, adopting a wind-swept, tousled silhouette that reflects its habitat. It is a very hardy species, well adapted to mountain climates.

The 'Picobello' variety stands out from the wild species due to its very small size and hemispherical habit. Its growth is slow and decreases even further on subjects over 15 years old, so in the long run, it will not exceed 1 metre (3 feet) in all directions. Its branches are covered with short, fine, dark green needles, measuring 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in length, grouped in pairs and arranged in brushes. The young shoots emerge in spring from light brown, resinous buds. On its trunk, the bark is brown-grey, while it shows a green and shiny, then black, hue on the branches.

The 'Picobello' dwarf mountain pine will find its place in a small garden, either isolated, in a bed or in a rockery. It can also be used in a large pot on the terrace or balcony. It works wonders in a Japanese garden and goes well with large stones, geometric lines of pools, and masonry works. It can be paired with complementary grasses or dwarf conifers with a prostrate habit (Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'), globose shape (Picea abies 'Little Gem'), or columnar habit (Juniperus communis 'Sentinel'). The true graphic qualities of conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over the dance of flowering. These plants with their reassuring permanence structurally define a bed, mark pathways, border the terrace, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. The key is to play with volumes and colours.