What soil does Eastern white pine grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, acidic.

Is Eastern white pine hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Eastern white pine be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

How much water does Eastern white pine need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Eastern white pine cost?

It sells for roughly €27 to €210 in local shops, depending on size.

Eastern white pine

Pinus strobus

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is a large tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €27.

Illustration of Eastern white pine — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

You can tell it by its soft, blue-green needles held in fives, which make it one of the most delicate-looking pines. The species is a fast-growing tree that reaches 20 to 30 metres tall and 6 to 12 metres wide in time, so it only suits a spacious garden or park; for a small garden pick one of its dwarf or weeping forms (such as the rounded Nana or Radiata, the tiny Minima, the curly-needled Tiny Kurls or the weeping Pendula), which grow to between 30 centimetres and 2 metres in ten years depending on the cultivar, with Pendula getting larger. It needs acidic to neutral, moist but well-drained soil and copes badly with lime, drought, road salt and polluted air, so it needs watering in hot, dry summers.

Watch out for

Its most serious disease is white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola), which attacks the bark and usually kills the infected tree. The fungus needs currants and gooseberries (Ribes) as alternate hosts, so do not plant it near blackcurrants, redcurrants or gooseberries. On limy, alkaline soil the needles turn yellow (chlorosis), and in the hot, dry lowland summers of Central Europe it suffers from water stress and spider mites, while weakened trees are attacked by bark beetles and aphids. The branches are brittle and can break in wind and under heavy snow. In Central Europe it escapes from gardens and forestry plantings: on acidic sandstone areas it regenerates in large numbers and displaces Scots pine, so do not plant it near protected areas or forests.

Considered invasive in a neighbouring country

It isn't listed here, but don't plant it near natural habitats, woodland or water, and don't leave the clippings outside the garden.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 5 m × 2.5 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Evergreen

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	5 m × 2.5 m
Ultimate size	15–30 m × 6–12 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	no data
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	Fruit, Leaves
Planting distance	600 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €27

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €27 – €210

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants for screening Evergreen plants Plants for containers

Compare with similar plants

Eastern white pine vs Austrian pine Eastern white pine vs Norway spruce Eastern white pine vs Scots pine

Looks good next to it

Weigela

Weigela florida

Foamflower

Tiarella cordifolia

Chinese meadow rue

Thalictrum delavayi