Pinus sylvestris 'Wolting's Gold' (Wolting's Gold Scots Pine)


Michael's Opinion

A very beautiful dwarf conifer. The needles are extremely attractive as they have two colours. The half of the needle closer to the stem is greenish and the tips are golden yellow making it very aesthetically pleasing. Its form allows it to be a rather good choice as an accent plant. A good choice for any dwarf conifer garden.

Botanical Information

FamilyPinaceae
GenusPinus
Speciessylvestris
Cultivar'Wolting's Gold'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginIntroduced by Jim Wolting, a sport found in a row of Scots Pine growing in his nursery.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3 - 6
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone1a - 6a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-40 -(-18)
Temperature (°F)-40 - 0
Height5-7 m
Spread3 m
GrowthMedium

Description and Growing Information

ID CharacteristicLook for the golden yellow-green needles; needles in fascicles of 2; the buds are small (0.5 cm-1 cm) and brown with a red tinge. A rather hard tree to mistake.
ShapeSmall somewhat dense, pyramidal form.
PropagationThis tree is propagated by grafting onto P. sylvestris rootstock.
CultivationFull sun in a somewhat protected location free from winter winds. Soil should ideally be light and free draining.
PestsRelatively pest and disease free.
Notable SpecimensThe Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionBark is light brown in newer growth while older growth becomes a rich darker brown.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionSmall (0.5-1 cm) brownish buds with a slight red tinge to them.
Leaf DescriptionNeedles are about 5 cm in length with green and yellow colour, they are also somewhat twisted in shape.
Flower DescriptionMonoecious.
Fruit DescriptionCones are mostly solitary and very rare, however, they may occasionally be found in clusters of 2 or 3, to 7-8 cm long and about 4 - 5 cm around, grey or dull brown and dropping to the ground when mature.
Colour DescriptionNeedles are green near the stem, as they grow the tips become a lively golden yellow, bark is a rich dark brown but turns greyish with age.
Texture DescriptionSoft to the touch for having needles, much softer than most plants in the Pinaceae family.

Photographs