Pinus Pentaphylla

Class

Pinopsida (Conifers)

Division

Pinophyta

Family

Pinaceae

Order

Pinales

Genus

Pinus

Species

parviflora

Description

Perennial evergreen conifer, also known as Japanese White Pine. It is distinguished by its slender needles arranged in fives in dense clumps with bluish-green silvery highlights and by its elegant conical, irregularly shaped habit in adult specimens with a winding trunk, which gives it a high ornamental value, which is accentuated in cultivation as bonsai. It prefers cool temperate climates, sheltered from cold winds and high humidity. It withstands frost and temporary drought well at maturity.

Variety description

Pinaceae family. Probably the species most commonly used as bonsai, known as P. Pentaphylla. Species native to Japan, with an erect, twisted trunk, pyramidal in shape in the young forms, can take on more irregular forms as an adult. Bark dark grey, cracks into plates when mature. Adult branches are horizontal; branches curved at the tip. It has dense, dense foliage. Characteristic feature is that the needles are clustered in clumps of 5, 5-7 cm long, bluish green.

Curiosities and special features

Pines, in particular Pinus parviflora, are loved and highly prized as bonsai trees in different styles and forms.

The art of bonsai, i.e. the technique of growing miniature trees, has very ancient origins. Originating in China and spreading to Japan, it takes on profound meanings that reconcile philosophical and spiritual principles, in search of a symbiosis between man and nature. Today, also thanks to cultural exchanges and international events in the sector, bonsai cultivation has developed throughout the West.

Origin and distribution

Native species of the range including South Korea, Southern Kuril Islands and Japan.

Leaf

The needle-like leaves are 5/7 cm long and are clustered in clumps of 5.

Leaf colour

The plain, bluish-green needle-shaped leaves give the plant a high ornamental value.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.25 to 1.5 m, depending on the size of the pot and the setting of the specimen.

Lifespan

Evergreen Perennial Species.

Where to plant

Conifer grown as bonsai for large pots, small pots, depending on the age of the specimen.

Stem

The woody stem has dark grey bark that cracks into plates when ripe; the variety has no thorns.

Growth

Long-lived plant with compact growth.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is erect and tortuous, with pyramidal foliage in young specimens, while it may take on more irregular forms as adults.

Branching

The branching is medium with horizontal adult branches and branches that curve at the end.

PH

It requires a soil pH of between 4.5 and 5.5. Attention should also be paid to the acidity level of the irrigation water, which should not alter the optimal values indicated.

Sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in half shade, full sun. It is recommended to place it outdoors in full sun, so that the needles produced are small. In summer, shade with a high percentage (>50%). Check that the lower branches also receive light, also occasionally rotate the plant if the light source is coming from one direction.

Ideal climate and temperature

It prefers a cool, temperate climate. The ideal temperature is between 5 and 20 °C. The vital temperature is between -25 and 40 °C. Avoid cold winds and high humidity.

Use

It is a very popular and well-known species in the art of bonsai in:

Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Highly hardy plant; tolerates frost well and withstands temporary drought as a mature plant.

Soil

Prefers well-drained and slightly acidic soils. Use a specific soil for bonsai.

Difficulty

The cultivation of the Japanese White Pine is difficult on average: great care must be taken in the management of light, room temperature, watering and fertilisation, and pruning must be done with care and experience.

Growing tips

For proper vegetative growth, some specific cultivation guidelines are given below:

Avoid over-watering Prefers shady locations in summer to avoid dry spells and high afternoon temperatures Prefers slightly calcareous water Prefers cool climate Exposure to direct light

Pruning

Remove the apexes of new shoots regularly at times of increased vegetation in order to contain it. Prune branches at the beginning or end of the vegetation period, cutting off part of the branches above a clump of needles. Check the lower branches, which must receive light otherwise they will perish.

Propagation

Propagation can be by layering, seed and cuttings.

Repotting

Every four years or so, in spring or early autumn.

Watering

Use low-lime water, preferably rainwater. Water the pot under the foliage sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out but not dry out, and carefully avoid waterlogging. During the winter period do not over-water.

Fertilising

It prefers slow-release organic fertilisers, specifically for bonsai, which are released to a moderate extent over time, and through subsequent irrigations the plant will have the necessary nutrients available. Feed once a month, especially in spring and autumn, in the pot and under the foliage, lightly inserting the granules into the soil. Decrease the dosage in summer. Every month remove spent fertiliser granules and replace with new ones.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

Position the plant in full light. In summer, shade with a high percentage (>50%). Check that the lower branches also receive light. Occasionally rotate the plant if the light source is only coming from one direction. Water sparingly and fairly often, allowing the soil to dry out. Do not fertilise in hot seasons, only in the intermediate seasons.