Pinus mugo, mugo pine
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Coniferous Shrubs

Pinus mugo

mugo pine

Pinaceae

Alps, Carpathians, Balkans, Pyrenees; 3,300–8,200 feet (1,000–2,500 m)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height3–20 feet (0.9–6 m)
Width5–20 feet (1.5–6 m)
Maturity15 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

2 - 8
Zone 2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Pinus mugo is a highly variable evergreen shrub to small tree native to the mountains of central and southern Europe. In cultivation, plants range from low, spreading mounds less than 3 feet (0.9 m) tall to multi-stemmed small trees reaching 15–20 feet (4.6–6 m); growth rate is 3–6 inches (7.5–15 cm) per year. The habit depends on the seed source or selection; named cultivars provide more predictable size. Needles are in bundles of two, 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) long, stiff, dark green, twisted. Cones are ovoid, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, symmetric, dark gray-brown, and persist on branches for several years. Bark is gray-brown and scaly. The species-type grown from seed is highly variable and may grow substantially larger than labeled at purchase; named cultivars provide more consistent size and form. Dothistroma needle blight and pine sawfly are the most common problems in the Pacific Northwest.

Native Range

Pinus mugo is native to the mountain ranges of central and southern Europe, including the Alps, Carpathians, Balkans, and Pyrenees, at elevations of 3,300–8,200 feet (1,000–2,500 m). It is not native to the Pacific Northwest.

Suggested Uses

Planted in rock gardens, mixed borders, and foundation plantings, spaced according to mature size of the specific selection. Species-type plants from seed require 8–12 feet (2.4–3.7 m) of spacing to accommodate their variable mature spread. Named dwarf cultivars can be spaced 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m) apart for smaller sites. Tolerates salt spray and exposed, windy sites where other conifers struggle.

How to Identify

Pinus mugo is identified by two needles per fascicle, 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) long, dark green, stiff, and slightly twisted. The ovoid, symmetric, dark brown cones, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, distinguish it from most other two-needled pines. Distinguished from P. sylvestris by the lack of orange-red upper bark; distinguished from P. nigra by the shorter needles and smaller cones.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 20'
Width/Spread5' - 20'

Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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SpringSummer
Male strobili are yellow, releasing pollen in May–June. Female cones are ovoid, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, symmetric, dark gray-brown, maturing in the second season and persisting on the branches for 3–5 years after opening. Cone production begins at 5–10 years.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow (male strobili)

Foliage Description

dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysandrocky
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10–20 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established plants tolerate 3–4 weeks without rain. Tolerates a wide range of soil types including clay, sandy, and alkaline soils; good drainage reduces disease risk. Dothistroma needle blight causes reddish banding and needle drop, most prevalent in wet conditions; affected needles drop in late summer. Pine sawfly larvae consume needles in late spring; infestations are rarely severe enough to cause lasting damage on established plants. Seed-grown plants labeled as dwarf may outgrow their space within 10–20 years; cultivar selection provides more predictable sizing.

Pruning

Candles (new growth shoots) can be shortened by half in early summer before needles fully develop to reduce annual extension; this maintains a denser, more compact form. Do not cut into old wood without live foliage, as the plant does not regenerate from bare wood. Dead branches can be removed at any time. Annual candle trimming is optional but extends the usefulness of the plant in size-constrained sites.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 15 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic