Pinus cembra 'Algonquin Pillar' (Algonquin Pillar Swiss Stone Pine)


Michael's Opinion

This plant would be a great addition a landscape as it is extremely cold resistant and is the perfect specimen plant to have because of its variegated and its very prominent pyramidal shape.

Botanical Information

FamilyPinaceae
GenusPinus
Speciescembra
Cultivar'Algonquin Pillar'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone1-9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone3
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-37 - (-34)
Temperature (°F)-35 - (-30)
Height5 - 6 m
Spread2 - 3 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA smaller sized tree, it has light green needles with light yellow coloured tips in bundles of five the needles are incredibly soft. A very pyramidal form all throughout its maturity.
ID CharacteristicAlthough many pines are not full and thick all the way to the ground, Pinus cembra. 'Algonquin Pilar' is unique in the way that it is full right to the ground and retains this feature all year long. The needles are quite soft and are a vibrant light green with a light yellow tip.
ShapeDense and pyramidal through most of the pine’s maturity without much pruning necessary to keep its pyramidal form.
CultivationRequires well-drained, sandy to clay loamy soil in full to partial sun. Should be located in a wide open area with a nice flow of air movement.
PestsPinus cembra and cultivars may be susceptible to larch bud moth, brown felt blight, canker and large larch bark beetle.
Notable SpecimensThe Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionGrey-green and smooth when young, turning a whiter shade of green when mature, medium scaled.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionBuds are grey-brown, ovate, 4 - 9 mm long.
Leaf DescriptionFive needles, fairly soft, straight and 5 - 7 cm long. Lighter green colour on the inner most of the needle converging to an almost variegated looking yellow.
Flower DescriptionBright purple when young, flowering and seed production occurs every 2 – 3 years in May.
Fruit DescriptionCones are terminal and 3 - 5 long.
Colour DescriptionStems are a green-grey the first year turning a whiter colour through to maturity. Light green needles with yellow tips, and whiter grey bark at maturity.
Texture DescriptionMedium to fine textured, very full soft foliage that is retained all the way to the ground.

Photographs