Pinus nigra, black pine
Pinus nigra
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 4a (-34.4°C ≤ T° < -31.7°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Pinaceae
- Genus
- Pine Pinus
- Species
- Black pine Pinus nigra
Other names:Pinus laricio var. nigra, Pinus nigricans subsp. nigra
What's as tall as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and can live for over 600 years? Pinus nigra! This tree of exceptional size and longevity grows naturally in North Africa and southern and eastern Europe. Undemanding, it adapts to most gardens, without ever leaning!
How to recognize black pine (Pinus nigra)?
Pinus nigra is a conifer that can reach heights of over 50 meters at maturity. When young, the tree has a pyramidal habit. As an adult, it has a rounded crown.
The straight trunk reaches six meters in diameter. It is covered with cracked bark. The color varies from yellow-brown to gray, depending on the region.
Foliage color also depends on area of distribution and variety. It can be yellow, gray-green, as in laricio Pine, or dark green, as in austrian Black Pine. The needles are supple and not prickly, sometimes measuring over fifteen centimetres. They are inserted two by two.
Flowering takes place in spring. The ovoid male catkins, loaded with pollen, are located on the lower part of the tree. The female flowers hatch at the top. Pine cones are five to ten centimetres long. They bear rounded scales and winged seeds.
Like other firs, Pinus nigra is non-toxic. And since its needles don't sting, you're in no danger!
Our care tips
Think carefully before planting your Black pine. Once installed, you won't be able to move it.
Watering
Feed your Black pine only when the substrate has dried thoroughly (at least five centimeters). Water generously with room-temperature rainwater and let the excess run off through the drainage holes.
Drain off any stagnant water in the dish or planter. It will rot the roots.
Misting
Your Pinus nigra hates wet foliage. Don't mist the plant.
Repotting
Get a perforated pot. You can place a bed of clay balls or gravel at the bottom to improve drainage.
Mix a few handfuls of sand with universal potting soil. Pour a layer of this mixture into your pot and plant your Black pine. Add substrate and pack lightly.
Water to help roots take root and expel air bubbles.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Pinus nigra, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Fertilize your Black pine with a conifer fertilizer once a month. Follow the dosage and manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging the foliage.
Prune
Your Black pine does not need pruning. On the contrary, pruning could be detrimental to its growth.
You can, however, remove dead branches in early summer using a clean, sharp tool, such as pruning shears.
Planting
When the risk of frost has passed, it's time to plant.
Choose a sunny, secluded spot. In fact, black pines can grow to several tens of meters in height when fully mature, and their deep root system can outcompete other species.
Soak the root ball to rehydrate it and dig a hole at least twice as large. Remove stones, weeds, and roots. You can add sand or compost to improve the soil.
Plant your Black pine. The top of the root ball should be level with the ground. Fill in the hole. Water generously to encourage root establishment.
Sowing
Once the risk of frost has passed, you can sow your Pinus nigra seeds.
Your seeds are more likely to germinate if you cold-stratify them.
Fill an airtight bag (such as a freezer bag) with potting soil for seeds and seedlings. Moisten the substrate. Bury your seeds in the substrate, seal the bag, and place it in a location where the temperature is between 0 and 5 °C for three weeks (refrigerator, garage).
Check your seeds regularly to make sure the potting mix stays moist and doesn't rot. As soon as a seed sprouts, you can plant it.
Fill a tray or bowl with seedbed potting soil. Plant your seeds about a centimetre deep, pointing downwards.
Place your seedlings in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. The temperature should be at least 15°C.
Place your seedlings in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. The temperature should be at least 15°C.
Water regularly to keep the substrate moist.
Disease / Threat
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrates
- Calcareous earthHumus soilSandy soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubs
- Category
- Tree
- Tags
- BeginnerHard to killHardy
- Origins
- North AfricaEastern EuropeSouthern Europe
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 4a (-34.4°C ≤ T° < -31.7°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenDark greenGreen-gray
- Fruit color
- Brown
Discover plants from the same family
Austrian black pine
Pinus nigra subsp. nigra
Laricio pine
Pinus nigra subsp. laricio
Korean fir
Abies koreana
Nordmann fir
Abies nordmanniana subsp. nordmanniana
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
