Pino Domestico

Class

Pinopsida

Division

Pinophyta

Family

Pinaceae

Order

Pinales

Genus

Pinus

Species

pinea

Description

Second-growing evergreen conifer, up to 20 metres high, whose ornamental value is conferred by its distinctive foliage which takes on an umbrella shape, wide and flat, as well as by its fissured bark with plaques. It thrives in warm, dry climates typical of the Mediterranean basin, preferring light, well-drained soils exposed to the sun.

Varietal description

Medium to large tree, characteristic round crown when young, turning umbrella-like with age. Light, elegant growth habit, with attractive orange-red, grooved bark; deep green, semi-circular crown with irregular, spaced branching. Flowering not ornamental and discrete cones first green, then brown. Solid root system, both above and below ground, but very branched in the soil. Very hardy, adapts to climatic variations, even in urban climates and parks. Prefers clayey, sandy soils but grows well in all soil types. It is a suitable species for medium to large landscaped green areas in isolated form or small groups, parks, gardens and also for the formation of trees in rows both in parks and in driveways. It lends itself to multifunctional, ornamental, forestry and landscaping use. Resistant to disease, it does not require pruning. It must never be topped or pruned. Like the cypress, the stone pine connotes the Mediterranean landscape with its presence.

curiosity and special features

A multi-purpose species, cultivated in antiquity for timber in construction and shipbuilding, it later became economically important for the production of seeds (pine kernels) and resin, for the extraction of tannin from the bark as well as for protection against soil erosion or for environmental and aesthetic purposes.

Origin and Diffusion

A species native to southern Europe and Lebanon. Today present as a characteristic ornamental plant in many Mediterranean landscapes.

Leaf

It has characteristic needle-like leaves, robust but flexible and clustered in bundles of two.

Flowering period

Flowering, which is not ornamental, occurs from early spring to late spring for a duration of 10 to 20 days.

Leaf color

Unicolour shades, bright green.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 5 to 20 m, depending on the growing conditions.

P. pinea generally represents a second-sized tree.

Lifespan

Evergreen, polyennial Species.

Suggested planting locations

Due to its size, it is suitable as a plant for gardens and parks, large pots, open field

Stem/stem

The stem is woody with orange-red, grooved bark with flat plates; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, small form with a globular corolla and single-coloured petals. It flowers from early spring to late spring, with a flowering period of between 10 and 20 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

The habitus is erect with rounded foliage when young that turns umbrella-like with age.

branching

It develops a medium branching, irregularly spaced, with horizontal or ascending branches that allow for the typical umbrella-like foliage.

pH

It requires a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

soil preparation

Before transplanting at the end of autumn, choose the most suitable location in relation to the needs of the plant and use a spade to make the planting hole at least one third the size of the root or root ball volume, removing any weeds and bulky pebbles. Bury sand if the soil is too compact and not draining, also add organic matter and level the soil well.

sun exposure

It prefers full sun exposure to express the best vegetative development.

Ideal climate and temperature

It prefers a warm, dry climate. The ideal temperature is between 10 and 30 °C.

Use

The particularity of its plant architecture as well as its high rusticity make the stone pine suitable in:

Outdoor ornamental Outdoor landscape design Landscaping Environmental consolidation plants

It lends itself to multifunctional use: ornamental, forest restoration and landscaping.

Hardiness

A plant with medium-high rusticity, it withstands hot summer weather and tolerates temporary drought; it also adapts to climatic variations, even in urban climates and parks.

Soil/medium

It adapts to different types of soil as long as it is light, well draining and has organic matter.

Maintenance

Following proper enfranchisement in the new planting site, the cultivation of stone pine is fairly easy, requiring a medium level of management effort.

cultivation tips

Here are some specific cultivation measures to achieve better vegetative growth of the stone pine:

Balanced fertilisation Prefers warm and dry climate Exposure to direct light Correct pruning

planting

For transplanting, adopt an average density of 1000 plants/ha, choosing healthy specimens, free from abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Always identify the planting site in advance in relation to the growth conditions required by the species according to the principle of 'the right plant in the right place'.

It is advisable to place the root ball in the previously dug planting hole, keeping it well compacted around the root and keeping the plant collar off the soil surface, and to water immediately after planting without causing water stagnation. We recommend distributing a layer of mulch to limit weed development.

pruning

It must never be topped or pruned. Indiscriminate cutting of stems and branches by 'topping' not only results in an alteration of the natural habitus of the plant, but also leads to a lower resistance to biotic and abiotic agents as well as to a greater danger of the entire specimen failing.

Reproduction/Propagation

Domestic pine can be propagated by grafting, layering, cuttings or from seed.

Irrigation

When transplanting, assist the plant to allow it to develop its root system in the best possible way in the new site by keeping it at a constant humidity free of water stagnation and dryness. Afterwards, prevent water saturation conditions and give quantities with frequencies and doses also commensurate with the climatic trend during the different seasons.

Fertilization

When preparing the soil for transplanting, carry out a background fertilisation by applying organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants. Following transplanting to the new planting site, during the spring-summer period carry out moderate fertilisation over a medium-long period.

advise 1

The root ball must maintain a good degree of cohesion and compaction in order not to compromise subsequent rooting. Use jute cloth to compact the root ball, never too wet. Fertilise moderately and over a medium to long period.