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Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine

$2,100.00

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Size: 100L

100L 200L 350L

All stock is grown, maintained and graded in strict accordance with AS 4373-2007, Australian Standard for Nursery Stock.

Current Stock Height Guides

100L: Enquire within for height guide information.
200L: Enquire within for height guide information.
350L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 8m - 15m Approximately

Mature Width: 4 – 8 m

Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine is expected to grow Approx. 20 cm – 35 cm per year.

Root Ball Dimensions (Height & Width)

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 / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (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)

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Phone: (03) 7042 3318

VOLUME DISCOUNTS

10% off orders over $1,000
15% off orders over $2,000
20% off orders over $7,500

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About Your New Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine

Pinus thunbergii, the Japanese Black Pine, is a dramatic evergreen conifer valued for its rugged windswept form and textured black bark. It is one of the most prized pines for sculptural landscaping, niwaki pruning, and bonsai.

Japanese Black Pine grows to 8-20 metres tall and 4-8 metres wide, though it is far smaller and easily controlled with pruning. The dark green stiff twisted needles grow in pairs, and the thick scaly bark adds year-round visual interest. The naturally irregular form suits Japanese-style gardens, coastal landscapes, and feature positions.

Japanese Black Pine is slow to moderate growing and exceptionally tough, thriving in full sun and poor, sandy, or compacted soils. It is highly drought and salt tolerant, making it ideal for coastal gardens, and it is long-lived, providing shelter and food for local wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine

How tall does Japanese Black Pine grow?

Pinus thunbergii grows to 8-20 metres tall and 4-8 metres wide in the landscape, but is easily kept much smaller with pruning.

How fast does Japanese Black Pine grow?

Japanese Black Pine is slow to moderate growing, which is part of what makes it so well suited to niwaki pruning and bonsai.

Is Japanese Black Pine suitable for bonsai?

Yes. Pinus thunbergii is one of the most popular species for bonsai and niwaki cloud pruning, valued for its rugged bark and twisted form.

Is Japanese Black Pine good for coastal gardens?

Yes. Japanese Black Pine is highly salt and wind tolerant, making it one of the best conifers for exposed coastal positions.

Is Japanese Black Pine drought tolerant?

Yes. Once established, Japanese Black Pine is highly drought tolerant and copes well with poor, sandy, and compacted soils.

Is Japanese Black Pine evergreen?

Yes. Pinus thunbergii is an evergreen conifer, holding its dark green needles year-round.

Where does Japanese Black Pine grow best in Australia?

Japanese Black Pine thrives across most Australian climates in full sun, particularly in coastal gardens, tolerating heat, salt, drought, and frost.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Features and Benefits

Organically certified product
Improves aeration for roots
A rich blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, Gypsum, composted coarse bark and wetting agent
Excellent to mix with heavy clay soils, an organic mixture with added gypsum which is perfect for exotic plants
Revitalises tired soils, adds nutrient and organic matter, no chemical additives, weed free
Assists in retaining moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering

Directions For Use

Water plant well at least several hours prior to planting.
Dig a hole at least twice the width of the pot and 7cm deeper than the pot.
Mix Grow Better Enriched Planting Mix with the soil that has been dug out of the hole, adding about 1/3 planting mix.
Spread a 7cm layer of improved soil in the hole and remove plant from the pot. Tease roots gently if the root ball is very firm and place plant in the planting hole. Check that pot soil is level with the surrounding soil surface level, not higher or lower.
Fill in the hole with improved soil mixture, firm down soil and water well adding Grow Better Plant Starter to final watering.

View full details

Type:

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Rural Property Planting
Shade Tree

Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine works in an:

Japanese Inspired – serene balance of form, foliage, and flow.
Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine Evergreen or Deciduous?

Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 8m - 15m Approximately

Mature Width: 4 – 8 m

Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine is expected to grow Approx. 20 cm – 35 cm per year.

Growth Rate of Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine

Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine is expected to grow Approx. 20 cm – 35 cm per year.

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine

Is Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine frost tolerant?

Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Does Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine Flower?

Pinus thunbergii produces small, inconspicuous yellow male cones and reddish female cones in spring. While not ornamental, these develop into classic woody cones that sit attractively among the stiff, dark green needles.

Does Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine flower?

No - Doesn't Flower

Flowering Period:

Not Applicable

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine an Australian Native Tree?

No

Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine is Native to Japan and South Korea, where it naturally grows along coastlines, rocky slopes, and sandy soils.

What is the Wildlife Value of Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine ?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Japanese Black Pine develops excellent drought tolerance. Naturally adapted to coastal, windy and sandy environments, it maintains strong, resilient growth with minimal supplementary watering and thrives even in exposed, salt-laden conditions.

How much Sunlight does Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine need?

Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Pinus thunbergii performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH. Exceptionally hardy, it adapts well to coastal and poorer soils but may struggle in heavy clay or waterlogged areas unless improved with coarse sand and organic matter to boost drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then shift to deep, infrequent watering as the tree matures to support its drought resilience, structural strength and healthy evergreen growth.

Is Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine Drought Tolerant?

Is Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Japanese Black Pine develops excellent drought tolerance. Naturally adapted to coastal, windy and sandy environments, it maintains strong, resilient growth with minimal supplementary watering and thrives even in exposed, salt-laden conditions.

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How To Plant Your Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine

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.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine

Hedging & Screening: Not suitable.

Feature Tree: Plant 5 m – 6 m apart to showcase sculptural shape.

Avenue Planting Trees:Use 6 m – 8 m spacing for structural alignment.

Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine is expected to grow Approx. 20 cm – 35 cm per year.

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine

Soil Conditions: Prefers sandy, well-drained soils but is adaptable to many soil types except those that are overly wet or poorly drained.
Watering Needs: Young trees need regular watering to establish a robust root system but become drought-tolerant as they mature. It’s crucial not to overwater as the species is susceptible to root rot.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth. Specialized pine fertilizers can also be used to maintain acidic soil conditions which the tree prefers.
Pruning: Regular pruning is not necessary unless the tree is being shaped for bonsai or aesthetic purposes in the landscape. Dead or broken branches should be removed to maintain health and appearance.

Planting Your Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine in Different Soil

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.