In the wild Pinus nigra is a great big magnificent tree, native to the Mediterranean and known for its impressive architectural shape, thick textured bark and impressive pine cones. Pinus nigra ‘Summer Breeze’ however, is a specially bred, dwarf variety that is grown as ‘a standard’. This means that it’s been pruned or grown from a young age to have a straight stem topped by a dense head of foliage, in this case, clusters of long, dark green needles. You still get the piney scent, you still get the beautiful patterned bark, but you also get a small tree that will do well in a pot on a terrace or balcony in the city, rather than a Corsican hillside.
Other benefits of its breeding are that ‘Summer Breeze’ is slow growing, which means that it will hold its dwarf shape, only needing to be repotted every couple of years. While as a young sapling you will need to water it regularly, once it’s matured it is able to go for longer periods of time without a drink. It shouldn’t need to be pruned, which makes it really fuss free, but if you find that it’s getting a bit too bushy for your liking, get out your shears and give it a haircut.
This stylish little tree will give you tasteful Mediterranean vibes while taking everything you can throw at it, be it wind, salty sea air, frost or urban pollution, what’s not to love?
Did you know?
‘Nigra’ is the latin word for ‘black’ and in the case of this pine tree refers to the beautifully patterned dark grey-black bark on mature trees.
Regular watering
Full sun
Repotting
