Pinus Pinea Italian Stone Pine Seedling - Hardy Umbrella Pine Tree | Akplants

The iconic Pinus Pinea, also known as the Italian Stone Pine or Umbrella Pine, is a magnificent Mediterranean evergreen conifer renowned for its distinctive umbrella-shaped canopy. This architectural tree brings a touch of Italian elegance to UK gardens.

The plant you will receive is as first picture taken in November 25.

Key Features

• Distinctive Shape: Develops a stunning flat-topped, umbrella-like crown as it matures
• Evergreen Foliage: Long, paired needles provide year-round interest
• Hardy: Surprisingly cold-tolerant once established, suitable for most UK regions
• Drought Tolerant: Thrives in well-drained soils and tolerates dry conditions
• Edible Pine Nuts: Produces delicious pine nuts (pignoli) after 15-20 years
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established

Growing Conditions

Pinus Pinea prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's perfect for Mediterranean-style gardens, coastal locations, and as a striking specimen tree. This pine is adaptable to various soil types but performs best in sandy or loamy soils with good drainage.

Mature Size

Reaches 12-20 metres in height with a spread of 6-8 metres, developing its characteristic umbrella shape after 20-30 years.

Planting & Care

Plant in spring or autumn in a sunny, sheltered position. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, this tree is remarkably drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance.

Perfect for: Specimen planting, Mediterranean gardens, coastal gardens, architectural features, and creating a distinctive focal point in larger landscapes.

We have a good stock of seedlings available as one of the first picture show. This is supplied in a 5 inch pot. Photos show plant at different stages, the last one I too when in Monaco.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pinus Pinea?

Pinus Pinea, commonly known as the Italian Stone Pine or Umbrella Pine, is a distinctive Mediterranean evergreen conifer famous for its characteristic umbrella-shaped canopy. Native to the Mediterranean region, it's prized for both its ornamental beauty and its edible pine nuts.

How big does the Italian Stone Pine grow?

Mature Italian Stone Pines can reach 12-20 metres (40-65 feet) in height with a distinctive flat-topped, umbrella-shaped crown spreading 6-8 metres wide. Growth is moderate—approximately 30-45cm per year—and the iconic umbrella shape develops as the tree matures, typically after 15-20 years.

Is Pinus Pinea hardy in the UK?

Yes! While native to warmer Mediterranean climates, Italian Stone Pine is surprisingly hardy in the UK and can tolerate temperatures down to -15°C. It performs best in southern and coastal regions of the UK where winters are milder, and thrives in well-drained soils and sunny positions.

What are the best growing conditions?

Italian Stone Pine requires full sun and well-drained soil. It's highly drought-tolerant once established and actually prefers drier conditions. Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils. It tolerates poor, sandy, or slightly alkaline soils and is excellent for coastal gardens as it withstands salt spray.

Does it produce edible pine nuts?

Yes! Pinus Pinea produces the delicious pine nuts (pignoli) used in Mediterranean cooking, including pesto. However, trees typically need to be 15-25 years old before producing significant cone crops. The large cones take 3 years to mature and ripen in autumn.

How much space does it need?

Plant at least 6-8 metres away from buildings and boundaries to accommodate the mature canopy spread. The distinctive umbrella shape needs space to develop properly. It makes an excellent specimen tree for larger gardens, parks, or Mediterranean-style landscapes.

What makes it a good ornamental tree?

The Italian Stone Pine's architectural umbrella-shaped canopy creates a dramatic focal point and instantly evokes Mediterranean landscapes. Its year-round evergreen foliage, attractive reddish-brown bark, and distinctive silhouette provide exceptional ornamental value and exotic character to UK gardens.

Does it need pruning?

Minimal pruning is required. Allow the tree to develop its natural umbrella shape. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter. Avoid heavy pruning as this can spoil the characteristic form. Young trees may benefit from light formative pruning to encourage a strong central leader.

Is it drought-tolerant?

Extremely drought-tolerant once established. Italian Stone Pine is adapted to hot, dry Mediterranean summers and requires minimal watering after the first 2-3 years. This makes it an excellent choice for low-maintenance, water-wise gardens and climate-resilient planting schemes.

When is the best time to plant?

Plant in spring (March-May) or early autumn (September-October) to allow root establishment before extreme weather. Water regularly during the first two growing seasons, then the tree becomes largely self-sufficient. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.