The weeping white pine, scientifically known as Pinus strobus ‘Pendula’, is a versatile and visually striking addition to any garden or landscape. This beautiful tree can grow to different sizes depending on how it is pruned and maintained.
In its natural form, the weeping white pine is a short shrub with multiple stems. Its branches have a graceful arching habit and grow downward, giving it a weeping appearance. When left unpruned, the branches can spread across the soil surface, creating a lovely groundcover effect. In this form, the weeping white pine typically stays small and compact, reaching a height of about 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) and a spread of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters).
However, with proper early pruning and training, the weeping white pine has the potential to develop into a small tree. By selectively removing lower branches and encouraging upward growth, it can be trained to have a more upright form. When trained as a tree, the weeping white pine can reach heights of up to 12 feet (4 meters).
It’s important to note that the ultimate size of the weeping white pine will also depend on various factors such as growing conditions, climate, and overall care. Providing adequate space for the tree to grow and ensuring it receives proper sunlight, water, and nutrients will contribute to its healthy development and potential size.
Personally, I have had the pleasure of working with weeping white pines in both shrub and tree forms. In a garden where space was limited, I chose to let the tree grow as a compact shrub, and it added a delightful touch of elegance to the landscape. On another occasion, I pruned and trained a weeping white pine into a small tree, which created a focal point in a larger garden bed.
To summarize, the weeping white pine can be a versatile addition to your garden, offering both a groundcover-like shrub form or a more upright tree form. With proper training and care, it can reach heights of up to 12 feet (4 meters). As with any plant, it is essential to consider the specific growing conditions and maintenance requirements to ensure the tree thrives and achieves its full potential.
