Japanese White Pine. Very slow growth, green-blue needles, rough, platy, grey bark. Produces new spring shoots called "candles" in March/April and replaces the old needles in October. Pinch off the candles in April (or before they open into needles) to an even length of about 0.5 to 1cm. In October prune back late shoots which might appear. In October/November it is advised to remove the old yellow needles by hand. Loves well-ventilated places in full sun, both in Mediterranean and mountain areas. Well-drained, neutral pH soil, water stagnation must be avoided, water only when the soil is completely dry. Treat once with a slow release fertiliser in spring. Provide a preventive anti-fungal treatment in winter as well ass a mineral oil insecticide treatment.
