Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct
Pinus Thunbergii - Evergreen Trees Direct

Pinus Thunbergii - Japanese Black Pines

Size

Height Guide

These heights are approximate. Batches change frequently, so if you need exact heights, we recommend confirming current batch heights with our sales team.

Please note:These height guides are approximate, as we work with live plants and natural variation is expected. The measurements provided reflect typical stock sizing but may vary between batches.

Regular price
$6,700.00
Sale price
$6,700.00
Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Architectural Plant
  • Best Selling
  • Coastal Tolerant
  • Commercial Landscaping
  • Conifer
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Drought Tolerant (Once Established)
  • Evergreen
  • Evergreen Trees
  • feature bark
  • Feature Tree
  • Frost Tolerant
  • Full Sun
  • Hardy
  • Low Maintenance
  • Ornamental Tree
  • Patio & Courtyard
  • Pine
  • QLD
  • Salt Tolerant
  • Sculptural Planter
  • Slow growing
  • Specimen Tree
  • Statement Piece
  • Structural Foliage
  • Topiary
  • Wind Resistant

Learn About Your New Pinus Thunbergii - Japanese Black Pines

Pinus thunbergii – Japanese Black Pine is a striking evergreen conifer known for its twisted, dark green needles, textured black bark, and irregular, windswept growth habit. Reaching heights of 8–20 metres in open landscapes (or kept compact through pruning), it delivers unmatched visual drama, particularly in coastal gardens, Asian-inspired designs, or modern sculptural landscapes.

Its dense, stiff needles grow in pairs, forming bold clusters along gnarled branches. The bark matures into scaly, dark grey-black plates, offering year-round structure and contrast. Though slow-growing initially, this species is long-lived, highly adaptable, and incredibly resilient in tough conditions.

Perfect for feature planting, bonsai training, or niwaki-style shaping, Japanese Black Pine handles coastal exposure, poor soils, urban pollution, and drought once established. It produces small pollen cones in spring, followed by woody female cones that mature over two years.


Key Details

  • Botanical Name: Pinus thunbergii

  • Common Name: Japanese Black Pine

  • Mature Height: 8–20 metres (smaller under cultivation or with pruning)

  • Mature Width: 4–8 metres

  • Foliage: Dark green, stiff, twisted needles in pairs

  • Bark: Thick, scaly, dark grey-black; extremely textured and ornamental

  • Form: Irregular, rugged; naturally windswept or sculpted

  • Growth Rate: Moderate (slow when young, accelerates with maturity)

  • Sunlight: Full sun

  • Soil: Tolerates poor, sandy, or compacted soils

  • Drought Tolerance: Yes – once established

  • Salt Tolerance: High – excellent for coastal planting

  • Maintenance: Low; prune selectively for shape or size control

  • Uses: Feature tree, coastal gardens, niwaki pruning, bonsai, architectural design

  • Evergreen/Deciduous: Evergreen

  • Longevity: Long-lived

  • Wildlife Value: Provides food and shelter for birds and small mammals

Why Choose Pinus thunbergii – Japanese Black Pine?

Pinus thunbergii – Japanese Black Pine is a rare and highly architectural evergreen feature tree, revered for its dramatic form, windswept silhouette, and symbolic strength. Deeply rooted in Japanese garden tradition, it is prized for its ability to create structure, contrast, and movement in the landscape.

Sought-after by designers, collectors, and bonsai artists, this tree is exceptionally hard to source and available in limited quantities. Whether sculpted through niwaki pruning, grown as a living sculpture, or allowed to mature naturally, Japanese Black Pine is a statement tree like no other.

Everything You Need to Know Before Planting Pinus Thunbergii - Japanese Black Pines

Planting & Growing Tips for Pinus Thunbergii - Japanese Black Pines
Frequently Asked Pinus Thunbergii - Japanese Black Pines Questions

Planting Tips for Pinus Thunbergii - Japanese Black Pines

Planting Tips: Ensuring a Strong Start

Site Selection: Choose a full sun location with well-drained soil.

Digging the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.

Planting: Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with native soil and water deeply.

Mulching: Apply a 5–7cm mulch layer around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the trunk.

Watering: Water regularly during establishment; once mature, occasional deep watering is sufficient.

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) & Planting Guide for Pinus Thunbergii - Japanese Black Pines

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

  • 30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
  • 40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
  • 50cm Pot: 49.5cm (W) × 35.2cm (D)
  • 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
  • 100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
  • 100L Pot: 66cm (W) × 49.5cm (D)
  • 150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
  • 200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
  • 300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
  • 400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
  • 500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
  • 750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
  • 1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
  • 2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Growing Pinus Thunbergii - Japanese Black Pines in Various Soil Types

The Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii) is remarkably adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, making it a versatile choice for many landscapes. Here’s how to ensure it thrives in different types of soil:

Well-draining Soil: This pine prefers well-drained soils where water does not stagnate. In such conditions, it requires minimal intervention once established.

Clay Soil: While it can tolerate clay, improving drainage with coarse sand and organic matter helps prevent root rot and supports healthier growth.

Sandy Soil: In sandy soils, which drain quickly but often lack nutrients, supplementing with organic compost will provide the necessary nutrients and improve moisture retention.

Rich Composted Soil: This is ideal for the Japanese Black Pine, providing a balance of drainage and nutrient content, ensuring robust growth and health.

For optimal results, ensure the planting site is in full sun and the soil is not overly compacted. Regular mulching can help maintain soil moisture and temperature, benefiting overall health and growth.

Watering Requirements After Planting Your Pinus Thunbergii - Japanese Black Pines

When planting a new tree or shrub, proper watering is essential to ensure healthy establishment and long-term growth. Follow these guidelines to give your plant the best start:

  1. Immediately After Planting:
    Water generously right after planting to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. This helps the roots make good contact with the soil.
  2. First Three Months (Establishment Phase):
    The initial three months are critical for root development. Water deeply twice daily (morning and evening) to encourage strong, deep root growth.
  3. Irrigation Systems:
    If using an irrigation system, adjust it to provide adequate water during the establishment phase. Ensure the water reaches the root zone without overwatering.
  4. Weather Considerations:
    Adjust watering based on weather conditions. Increase frequency during hot, dry periods and reduce it during cooler, wetter seasons.
  5. Ongoing Care:
    After the establishment phase, gradually reduce watering frequency but ensure the plant receives consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.

By providing consistent and appropriate watering during the initial months, you’ll help your new tree or shrub establish a strong root system and thrive in your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pinus Thunbergii - Japanese Black Pines

Does it attract wildlife?Frequently Asked Questions


Is Pinus thunbergii suitable for small gardens?
Yes, it can be pruned and shaped to fit compact spaces and is widely used in bonsai and structured gardens.

How often should I water it?
Water regularly during establishment, but once mature, it is highly drought-resistant.

Does it require fertilizing?
Not essential in native soils, but a slow-release fertilizer in early spring can support healthier growth.

Can it tolerate frost?
Yes, it is cold-hardy and withstands light to moderate frosts.

Does it attract wildlife?
Yes, its cones and seeds attract birds and beneficial insects.

Growing Your Pinus Thunbergii - Japanese Black Pines in Various Soil Types

The Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii) is remarkably adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, making it a versatile choice for many landscapes. Here’s how to ensure it thrives in different types of soil:

Well-draining Soil: This pine prefers well-drained soils where water does not stagnate. In such conditions, it requires minimal intervention once established.

Clay Soil: While it can tolerate clay, improving drainage with coarse sand and organic matter helps prevent root rot and supports healthier growth.

Sandy Soil: In sandy soils, which drain quickly but often lack nutrients, supplementing with organic compost will provide the necessary nutrients and improve moisture retention.

Rich Composted Soil: This is ideal for the Japanese Black Pine, providing a balance of drainage and nutrient content, ensuring robust growth and health.

For optimal results, ensure the planting site is in full sun and the soil is not overly compacted. Regular mulching can help maintain soil moisture and temperature, benefiting overall health and growth.

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