RedCrocus Pinus mugo 'Pumilio' (Dwarf Mugo Pine) - Compact Evergreen Conifer, Cold-Hardy, Low-Maintenance Landscape Shrub, Live Plant 3 Gallon Nursery Pot

RedCrocus Pinus mugo 'Pumilio' (Dwarf Mugo Pine) - Compact Evergreen Conifer, Cold-Hardy, Low-Maintenance Landscape Shrub, Live Plant 3 Gallon Nursery Pot

Regular price $180.00 USD
Regular price $234.00 USD Sale price $180.00 USD
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SKU:ber285c-redcrocus

Pot Size

Pinus Mugo 'pumilio'

Dwarf, mounding mugo pine prized for its dense, compact habit and year‑round deep green needles. Tough, cold‑hardy, and excellent for rock gardens, slopes, and containers.

Description

Pinus Mugo 'pumilio' is a dwarf selection of mugo pine celebrated for its naturally low, spreading, and densely branched habit. Short, dark‑green needles (typically in pairs) hold color well through winter, and the plant forms a tidy, cushiony mound without heavy pruning. Slow growth, toughness, and remarkable cold tolerance make it a dependable structural evergreen for small spaces, rock and alpine gardens, raised beds, and terrace planters.

Notes: Cultivar form and ultimate size can vary by source; expect wider than tall, with outstanding adaptability to wind, cold, and poor, rocky soils when drainage is sharp.

Suggested Uses

  • Rock & alpine gardens
  • Front of borders
  • Foundation planting
  • Evergreen structure
  • Slopes & hillsides
  • Coastal & windy sites
  • Large containers
  • Bonsai training
  • Wildlife shelter
  • Year‑round interest

Plant Details

  • Botanical Name iconBotanical NamePinus Mugo 'pumilio'
  • Common Name iconCommon NamePinus Mugo 'pumilio' (Dwarf Mugo Pine)
  • Size and Growth iconSize & GrowthTypically 3–5 ft tall and 5–8 ft wide in 10–15 years; very compact, mounding and spreading; often wider than tall.
  • Hardiness Zones iconHardiness ZonesUSDA Zones 2–7 (extremely cold‑hardy; tolerates wind and exposed sites).
  • Foliage Type iconFoliage TypeEvergreen conifer; short dark‑green needles, typically in pairs; minimal winter bronzing in most climates.
  • Bloom Time iconBloom TimeSpring (inconspicuous pollen cones; ornamental value is foliage and form).
  • Growth Rate iconGrowth RateVery slow to slow (about 2–5 inches per year, depending on site and climate).
  • Light Requirements iconLight RequirementsFull sun for best density (6+ hrs/day); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
  • Attracts Pollinators iconAttracts PollinatorsNo—wind‑pollinated; does provide shelter and nesting cover for small birds and beneficial insects.
  • Indoor Friendly iconIndoor FriendlyNot suitable as a permanent houseplant; requires outdoor sun, airflow, and seasonal temperature cues.
  • Container Friendly iconContainer FriendlyYes—excellent in large, well‑drained containers for many years due to slow growth; ensure winter‑hardy pots and drainage.
  • Deer Resistant iconDeer ResistantGenerally deer‑resistant; browsing is uncommon but may occur on new candles if food is scarce.
  • Pet Warning iconPet WarningConsidered non‑toxic; ingestion of needles may cause mild gastrointestinal upset—avoid chewing; sap is sticky/resinous.
  • Fragrant iconFragrantLight, fresh pine/resin scent—most noticeable when needles are rubbed or on warm days.
  • Cut Flower iconCut FlowerNot used as cut flowers; short branches can accent winter and holiday arrangements.
  • Companions iconGrows Well WithGrows Well With Heaths and heathers (Erica, Calluna), dwarf spruces and junipers, Cotoneaster, low barberries, thyme, sedum, dwarf ornamental grasses, Artemisia.

Care Tips

  • Planting Instructions iconPlanting InstructionsPlant in spring or early fall. Dig a hole 2× as wide as the root ball and no deeper; set the root flare level with the soil surface. Tease circling roots, backfill with native soil, water to settle, and mulch 2–3 in (keep mulch off the stem).
  • Soil Moisture iconSoil MoistureKeep evenly moist the first growing season; thereafter water deeply but infrequently. Allow the top 1–2 in of soil to dry between waterings; avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil Type iconSoil TypeSharply drained sandy or loamy soils are ideal; tolerates rocky, lean soils. pH slightly acidic to neutral; can adapt to mildly alkaline if drainage is strong. Avoid heavy, wet clay.
  • Humidity iconHumidityNaturally tolerant of low humidity and wind. Ensure good air circulation; avoid sites with persistent high humidity and poor drainage to reduce disease pressure.
  • Pruning iconPruning InstructionsMinimal pruning needed. In late spring, pinch back new “candles” by 1/3–1/2 to maintain size and density. Remove dead or crossing wood anytime. Avoid cutting into old, bare wood beyond live needles.
  • Winter Care iconWinter CareVery hardy. Water deeply before ground freezes and maintain mulch to buffer roots. In exposed, drying winds, young plants may benefit from a burlap windscreen the first 1–2 winters.
  • Planting Depth iconPlanting DepthSet the plant so the root flare (top of root ball) is level with, or slightly above, surrounding grade. Never bury the stem or cover the crown with mulch.
  • Fertilization iconFertilizationLight feeder. In early spring, apply a modest dose of a balanced, slow‑release fertilizer formulated for conifers or acid‑loving plants. Do not over‑fertilize; avoid late‑season nitrogen.
  • Special Care iconSpecial CarePrioritize drainage to prevent root rot. Monitor for pine needle scale, sawfly larvae, or aphids; treat early if noted. In containers, use a gritty, fast‑draining mix and protect pots from freeze‑thaw cracking.
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