Lacebark pine- an investment in the future

Many rare and unusual garden plants are introduced into a garden as a thoughtful gift. Lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana) is an arboreal aristocrat which a few gardeners are privileged to own. Lacebark is a lovely 3- needle pine with exquisite exfoliating bark which becomes more attractive each succeeding year. The lacebark feature begins after 8-10 years, but it’s worth waiting ifyou’re a young and/or patient gardener.

Lacebark is a medium 30-50 foot tall multi-branched pine. Start with an affordable 2 – 3 foot shrub.  A young lacebark is slow-growing;  growth pace gradually picks up to average 4-5 inches annually.  The 2 – 4 inch long needles are stiff and prickly to the touch.

Lacebark requires no special care other than routine late winter feeding and refreshing the mulch around the plant. Plant lacebark in full sun and in above-average garden soil. Use a slow release acidic fertilizer specially labeled for evergreens. Occasionally prune off a side branch to get a better view the mosaic bark.

Most potentially serious disease and insect pests may be avoided with proper siting and care. Select a visible landscape location which is frequently visited, such as near a patio, carport, driveway or a window which looks out at the lacebark.

Lacebark pine can be purchased from specialty mail-order nurseries via the internet.  Lacebark is a long term investment, one that you and future generations will cherish for its exquisite patchwork bark.

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2 Responses to “Lacebark pine- an investment in the future”

  1. You are right, I have see a grove (Dawes Arboretum, Newark, Ohio), such a nice plant. Hugh, have a great Christmas. Look forward to seeing you and nothing fun happening in Asheville but I’ll let you know…Michael Balogh, Mountain Meadows Nursery,

    P.S. Ihave these in 3 gallon and in the field 🙂

    • Hugh says:

      Do you sell Pinus densiflora ‘Aurea’? There is a small specimen at entrance of UT Gardens that’s awesome.
      Glad you enjoy blog on P. bungeana, have a deodara cedar script that I’m playing with. I am very very very surprised how well they are surviving so well in this region —-or are we fooling ourselves?? What say you