shrub

Mugo Pine

Name: Mugo Pine
Brand: Pinus
Availability: InStock

Pinus mugo

$37.95

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

54 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Mountains of Europe

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Pinus mugo is a highly variable species of conifer native to the mountains of Europe. It typically grows as a multi-stemmed shrub with a dense, mounding habit, but size and form can vary significantly depending on the subspecies and seed source. The species itself is notable for its extreme hardiness, adaptability to a wide range of soils, and tolerance of urban conditions. Its variability is a key trait, leading to the selection of numerous dwarf and unique cultivars.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The species provides a rugged, naturalistic texture and year-round green foliage. It is often used in mass plantings to create a sea of green or as a tough foundation plant for large-scale commercial and residential landscapes.

It is an excellent choice for stabilizing banks and slopes due to its fibrous root system and drought tolerance. Its salt tolerance also makes it useful in coastal areas and along roadsides.

Its dense, shrubby growth offers excellent winter cover and protection for a variety of wildlife, including birds and small mammals. It can help create habitat in challenging, exposed sites.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

PlantingTree

In Stock$37.95

Nature Hills

In Stock$47.29

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in full sun.
Plant in any well-drained soil; it is not picky.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Place the shrub in the hole and backfill with soil.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Once established, it is very drought tolerant and needs little care.

Pro Tip

When buying a species Mugo Pine, be aware of its potential size; many get larger than expected. For predictable size, choose a named cultivar.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Give it plenty of sun for dense growth.
Prune new growth 'candles' in spring to control size and increase density.
Water only during severe drought once established.
Plant in a location with good air circulation to deter disease.

Don't

Do not plant in deep shade or soggy soil.
Avoid frequent watering after the first year.
Do not expect a seed-grown plant to stay small and compact.
Do not prune into old wood without needles.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pinch
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Hardy screen or informal hedgeSlope stabilization and erosion controlFoundation planting for large buildings

Companion Plants

Yucca filamentosa Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia Pennisetum alopecuroides Coreopsis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mugo Pine questions

What zones can Mugo Pine grow in?

Mugo Pine is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Mugo Pine deer resistant?

Yes — Mugo Pine is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Mugo Pine bloom?

Mugo Pine typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Mugo Pine need full sun?

Mugo Pine does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Mugo Pine drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Mugo Pine handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.