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.
Austrian pine is cheaper: about HUF 3,800 at the size usually planted, against about HUF 7,800 for Scots 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. HUF 3,800 | approx. HUF 7,800 |
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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