What soil does Mountain pine grow in?

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

Is Mountain pine hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Mountain pine be planted?

Plant it at least 1 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How much water does Mountain pine need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Mountain pine cost?

It sells for roughly €7.10 to €190 in local shops, depending on size.

Mountain pine

Pinus mugo

Mountain pine (Pinus mugo) is a shrub. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €7.10.

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

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

A dense, cushion-shaped or spreading, multi-stemmed evergreen pine; gardens mostly get its slow-growing dwarf forms. It suits rock gardens, slopes, gravel beds and containers and is not fussy about soil, lime included, as long as water does not stand around its roots. It needs full sun and goes bare in shade. Final size differs a great deal between forms, so check how big the one you are buying will get.

Watch out for

A high mountain species that prefers cool summers: in the hot, dry lowland summers of Central Europe weakened plants often get tip blight and needle cast (needles brown and drop), so water even established shrubs in drought. Pests include pine sawfly larvae, pine shoot moth, scale insects and aphids. The roots rot in airless, wet soil.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 90 cm × 1.2 m
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Evergreen

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	90 cm × 1.2 m
Ultimate size	1–4 m × 2–5 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	no data
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	120 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €7.10

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
10-15 cm	approx. €14
10-12 cm	approx. €8.80
25-30 cm	approx. €61
30-35 cm	approx. €17
30-40 cm	approx. €50
50 cm	approx. €95
80-100 cm	approx. €140
size not stated	approx. €7.10 – €190

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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