Evergreen Tree – Longleaf Pine

Longleaf Pine 

Botanical name: pinus palustris 

Beginner friendly?: yes 

Average size at maturity: 80-120 ft in height with a 2-3 ft spread 

Hardy zone: zones 6-9 

Growth rate: grows 2 ft per year 

Foliage color: green/gray 

Flower color: golden pollen cones 

Bloom time:  spring, summer 

Pruning instructions: prune during the late winter/early spring before new growth begins to emerge to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings during the fall and winter months 

Landscape use: native wooded landscapes, privacy, background planting 

Special features: cold-hardy, heat tolerant, clay tolerant, deer resistant 

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant: fall 

Best type of soil: clay, loam 

Companion plants: butterfly weed, wild columbine, goldenrod 

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no