Pinus strobus Radiata - Eastern White Pine

Pinus strobus 'Radiata' is a dwarf form of the Weymouth pine, which owes its success in large part to the delicacy of its large acute needles with bluish reflections, thin and soft to the touch. Its bushy and flexible habit takes on cushion-like shapes, and its dense, sometimes irregular vegetation always gives it a compact appearance. It bears elongated and pendulous cones, greyish-brown, which persist for a long time on the bush. Its moderate growth and reduced size allow it to thrive in all gardens, even the smallest ones, from large embankments to rocky areas, but also in a flowerbed or a large container on the terrace. It is a very hardy variety, not very demanding in well-drained, not too chalky soil, and resistant to drought once established. It thrives in full sun but also in partial shade.

Pinus strobus, also known as white pine, Weymouth pine or Lord's pine, is a conifer of the pine family, native to eastern North America, as far as Newfoundland Island in Canada. This king of the forest is a monumental tree, a gigantic pyramidal Christmas tree reaching 90m (295ft) in height in its natural environment, but currently barely exceeding 45m (148ft) in height due to the destruction of its habitat and extensive exploitation. It is a very hardy species, often planted for reforestation in forests, or as an ornamental tree in large parks. The bark of this bush is smooth, greenish-grey on young specimens, becoming greyish-brown and fissured over time. The lower part of the tree, when mature, shows a whitened bark, hence the vernacular name 'white pine'.

The 'Radiata' variety, favoured by gardeners, is derived from this species. It is distinguished by its reduced size, its rounded bushy habit, more or less variable, and its magnificent green-blue foliage. Its growth is slow, so that at maturity, it does not exceed 1.75m (6ft) in all directions, even though it is often wider than it is tall. Its branches are densely covered with shiny, thin, soft needles, measuring 7 to 12cm (3 to 5in) in length. They are grouped in fives and arranged in tufts, radially around the branches. Their lower surface has two bands of stomata (plant respiratory cells) that give them bluish to silvery reflections. 'Radiata' bears cylindrical and elongated cones that are quite decorative.

The Weymouth pine 'Radiata' is a particularly attractive variety, but also a conifer with excellent health. It will find its place in all gardens, even the smallest ones, as it is undemanding and adapts to a wide variety of soils, except for very chalky soils, as well as to many climates. In small spaces, it will look good as a standalone specimen and will elegantly enhance a rockery or a flowerbed. In a large container, it will make a magnificent focal point that will enhance a balcony or terrace. It goes well with large stones, the geometric lines of swimming pools, and masonry works. It can be associated with complementary grasses or with prostrate (Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'), globose (Picea abies 'Little Gem'), or columnar (Juniperus communis 'Sentinel') dwarf conifers. 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 to the dance of flowering. These plants, with their reassuring permanence, structurally define a flowerbed, mark pathways, and line terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. The key is to play with volumes and colours.