I have a monerey pine pinus radiata in a pot. Has anyone planted this in their garden? How hardy is this? Thanks karen
Borderline up here. Gets big quick, but may freeze out. Do not plant where if it grows up and then croaks it could be a problem. Do open the roots up when planting, do not plant with circling roots upon which it might pivot over later. "World famous for rapidity of growth, this rare pine has become New Zealand's foremost commercial tree, outproducing all others, growing larger there than in nature. One reached 211' in 41 years; growth rings 1 1/2" wide have been found! By some accounts also an admirable ornamental species, planted widely for its bright greenery. In Seattle, uncommon. When young, hurt or killed by exceptional winter cold." --Trees of Seattle, Second Edition
Not got room, but there's some in my local park. Hardy down to about -16°C, perhaps a degree or two lower. I'd agree with Ron that it is borderline where you are, an outbreak of cold arctic air pouring down the Fraser River Valley could easily kill it. It would be OK on places like the west coast of Vancouver Island, though.
Hi Ron, If I spread the roots will this prevent falling down? Can this tree be trimmed yearly to maintain its conical shape? Will this tree take part shade? How cold can it get for this tree to survive? How much does it grow every year? thank you in advance Karen
It doesn't need trimming to stay conical when young, but when mature, it becomes broadly domed (by which time it is far too large to trim!). The one in my photo is about 15m tall, and starting to widen out now. Part shade: no, it needs full sun. How cold can it survive: about -16°C Growth every year: about a metre or a bit more in good conditions.
