Austrian pine and Scots pine are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen, screening). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Pinus nigra 4.5 m × 2.5 m after 10 years
Austrian pine is a large evergreen with stiff, dark green needles, conical when young and broad and umbrella-shaped with age, and it copes well with…
Pinus sylvestris 4.5 m × 2.5 m after 10 years
A fast-growing native pine that starts out conical and later forms a loose, umbrella-like crown, with striking orange-red bark on the upper trunk…
Austrian pine: We do not recommend it for most Central European gardens.
Scots pine grows faster than Austrian pine.
Scots pine is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -29 °C for Austrian pine.
Austrian pine tolerates drought better than Scots pine.
Austrian pine needs less water than Scots pine.
Scots pine needs less care than Austrian pine.
|
Feature
|
Austrian pine
|
Scots pine
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Large tree | Large tree |
| Size after 10 years | 4.5 m × 2.5 m | 4.5 m × 2.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 12–25 m × 6–12 m | 10–30 m × 9–15 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Sandy, Acidic, Calcareous, Clay |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Water need | Low | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | High | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Planting distance | 600 cm | 600 cm |
| For children | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €45 | approx. €45 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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