Pinus parviflora 'Bergman' (Bergman Japanese White Pine)


Michael's Opinion

One of the more beautiful forms of the species, with long blue-green twisted needles giving it a unique look. This cultivar can take on distinct forms depending on the pine understock used for grafting.

Botanical Information

FamilyPinaceae
GenusPinus
Speciesparviflora
Cultivar'Bergman'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
ReferencesRodd, Tony, and Geoff Bryant. The Plant Finder: "The Right Plants for Every Garden. Richmond Hill", On.: Firefly, 2007. Print Bloom, Adrian, and Richard Bloom. "Gardening with Conifers". Willowdale, Ont.: Firefly, 2002. Print.
OriginIntroduced in 1965 by Fred and Helene Bergman of Raraflora Nursery, Feasterville, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4-9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone2a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-32) - (-1)
Temperature (°F)(-25) - 30
Height45 cm
Spread90 cm
GrowthSlow

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA slow shrub, growing only 5 cm per year. A beautiful tree spreading and dense with bright red pollen cones in the spring.
ID CharacteristicA dwarf shrub with twisted blue-green needles, prominent long brown buds and scaly plates on older trunks.
ShapeA broadly conical plant.
LandscapeExcellent as a specimen or planted in small groups.
PropagationPropagate by side-veneer grafting and using rootstocks that are 2 years old and well-rooted.
CultivationFull sun in well drained, moderate moisture acidic soil with pH range of 4-6. Tolerates salt, drought and generally tolerant of urban conditions.
Notable SpecimensMissouri Botanical Garden, St Louis, Missouri, United States of America.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionPurple-brownish smooth bark on younger trees, developing scaly plates and takes on a dark grey-black colour as it matures.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionBrown/caramel coloured buds that are 8.5 mm long and ovoid, not resinous.
Leaf DescriptionStiff twisted blue-green needles are borne in groups of five on the upper side of the shoots.
Flower DescriptionCrimson male flowers.
Fruit DescriptionPollen-bearing, 8 cm oval to cylindrical cones that are bright red in spring turning red-brown in winter.
Colour DescriptionBlue-green leaves and in the spring, bright red cones that turned red-brown in the winter, brown/caramel buds.
Texture DescriptionFine textured.

Photographs