Bosnian Pine cultivar 'Schmidtii'

'Schmidtii' is arguably one of the finest dwarf conifers available for British gardens. It is a cultivar of the Bosnian Pine (formerly Pinus leucodermis) and is notable for its incredibly slow growth and perfectly round, hedgehog-like appearance. It forms a dense, compact globe of stiff, dark green needles that are arranged in pairs. Over 10 years, it may only reach the size of a football, making it an ideal choice for trough gardens, alpine houses, or at the very edge of a sunny border. It is extremely hardy (H7) and very resilient to poor soils, wind, and urban pollution. It requires a position in full sun and excellent drainage to thrive; it will not tolerate sitting in damp, heavy clay. This plant is essentially maintenance-free and provides a permanent, architectural green presence. Its dark green foliage provides a wonderful contrast to grey stone or gravel, making it a staple of modern rock garden design.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.