Species

Pinus mugoMugo Pine

2 other cultivars

shrub

Slowmound Mugo Pine

Pinus mugo 'Slowmound'

$62.99

The Story

Plant Bio

Pinus mugo is a highly variable dwarf pine native to the mountains of Europe, known for its hardiness and adaptability. It is a popular evergreen for landscapes due to its compact size and rugged nature.

'Slowmound' is a superior dwarf cultivar prized for its exceptionally dense, uniform, mounding habit and slow growth rate. It maintains its neat, cushion-like shape with rich green needles year-round without any pruning.

Uses & Benefits:

'Slowmound' provides superb year-round structure and texture with its dense, deep green foliage and neat, mounding form. It's an excellent choice for adding evergreen interest to small spaces.

Its slow growth and dwarf habit make it a true low-maintenance plant, requiring no pruning to maintain its shape. It is also highly tolerant of urban pollution and poor soils.

While not a major food source, its dense structure provides important shelter and cover for small birds and other wildlife, especially during winter.

SpeciesPinus mugoMugo Pine

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

Mountains of Europe

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Spring Hill Nursery

Bareroot

In Stock$62.99

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$68.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Plant in any well-drained soil; mugo pines are highly adaptable.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with the original soil and water well to settle.
Water periodically during the first year; it is very drought tolerant once established.

Pro Tip

To keep it extra compact, pinch back the new growth 'candles' by half in the spring before the needles expand.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide excellent drainage.
Give it full sun for the densest growth.
Water deeply but infrequently once established.
Allow for good air circulation around the plant.

Don't

Do not plant in a shady location.
Avoid planting in constantly wet or boggy soil.
Don't fertilize; mugo pines thrive in lean soil.
Do not shear with hedge trimmers; pinch candles instead for shaping.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Pinch

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Textural rock garden specimenLow-maintenance foundation plantingEvergreen border punctuation

Companion Plants

Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'Sempervivum tectorum Yucca filamentosa Echinacea purpurea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Slowmound Mugo Pine questions

What zones can Slowmound Mugo Pine grow in?

Slowmound 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 Slowmound Mugo Pine deer resistant?

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

When does Slowmound Mugo Pine bloom?

Slowmound 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 Slowmound Mugo Pine need full sun?

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

Is Slowmound Mugo Pine drought tolerant?

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