Japanese Black Pine

Name: Japanese Black Pine
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
Availability: OutOfStock

Pinus thunbergii

Nature Hills Nursery

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This pine craves full sun and needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. While it can survive in very light shade, the needles will grow longer and the branches will become "leggy" or stretched out rather than staying dense and compact.
Soil: It thrives in well drained, slightly acidic soil but is famous for its ability to handle sandy, salty coastal conditions. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost or aged pine bark to improve drainage, as "wet feet" will quickly lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, water your Japanese Black Pine deeply twice a week to ensure the root ball stays moist while it anchors into the landscape. Once established, this tree is remarkably drought tolerant and can handle dry spells with ease. Be careful not to overwater mature trees, as inconsistent, soggy soil can cause the needles to turn yellow and drop prematurely.

Pruning Tips

Japanese Black Pine produces new growth from "candles," which are the upright buds that appear in spring. To maintain a specific size or create a denser look, snap these candles in half with your fingers when they have elongated but before the needles unfurl. This technique, similar to a haircut that encourages thicker growth, forces the tree to produce secondary buds and keeps the canopy tight and manageable.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release evergreen fertilizer in early spring just as the new growth begins to emerge. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, because this can trigger soft new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first freeze. This late season growth is highly susceptible to winter kill and can weaken the overall structure of the tree.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6	Week of March 2nd
Zone 7-12	Week of February 23rd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii) are exquisite evergreen trees that can have twisted stems and an open tiered branching and an airy texture! The dark needles are contrasted by their white candles in the spring. This is a highly adaptable tree and the most popular landscape tree in its native country of Japan!

It is known for its striking, free-form growth and expressive needles. Young trees can look shrubby before outgrowing their awkward teenage years. At maturity, this Pine forms a flat-topped canopy that becomes adorned with 5-7 inch long pinecones. Able to reach 50 - 70 feet tall and 25 - 40 feet wide.

Japanese Black Pine has drooping branching over time and are very easy to grow! Requiring very little maintenance, this Asian native is found on rocky cliffs and along the coast. Widely adaptable throughout USDA growing zones 5 through 10, you'll be one of the few on the block with this unique specimen!

Planting and Application:

Its rugged nature and rapid growth make it a great choice for windscreens, or to create naturalized groves for wildlife and screening. A single specimen can enhance the front yard as a unique focal point and cast shade over your garden beds and borders. Plus year-round interest and greenery.

Japanese Black Pines can be trained into Bonsai forms or trimmed to accent any size garden! Ideal for use in an Asian-inspired garden. These do fantastic along coastal areas and seaside gardens, and their salt tolerance makes them great street trees where salt is applied each winter.

Deep Green Needles & White Candles
Twisting Open Growth & Tiered Branching
Salt Tolerant & Great Bonsai
Fall Pinecones For Interest and Birds
Great Specimens, Street Trees, Groves & Windscreens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Plant Pine trees in full sun to grow best. Japanese Black Pine can handle a wide variety of different soil types and moisture conditions and proves tough enough to thrive in adverse conditions. Its salt tolerance makes it a great choice in coastal areas. If pruning is needed, do so in the early spring to correct growth and control size.

Full Sun
Moderate Moisture Needs
Pest & Disease Free
Adaptable - Any Well-Drained Soil
Prune Early Spring

Increasing in popularity because it is easy to maintain and virtually pest free, this beautiful dramatic Japanese Black Pine is a wonderful choice for any gardener! Order yours today at NatureHills.com!

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Growing Zones 5-10

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grows fast

The Japanese Black pine grows real fast for being a pine tree.

Dear Dandy,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with the Japanese Black Pine! We're delighted to hear that it's growing quickly for you—this vigorous growth is one of the many fantastic traits of this resilient and beautiful pine.

If you haven’t already, make sure to provide it with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight to keep its growth healthy and balanced. Regular pruning can also help shape your tree and encourage a strong structure as it continues to develop.

Should you ever have questions about the care or maintenance of your Japanese Black Pine or any other plants, feel free to reach out—we’re always eager to help!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

grows fast

The Japanese Black pine grows real fast for being a pine tree.

Hello Dandy,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Japanese Black Pine! We're delighted to hear that it’s growing quickly—these resilient pines do indeed have a wonderful knack for thriving when cared for properly. If you haven't yet, providing well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight can encourage healthy growth, and occasional light pruning helps maintain its shape as it develops.

Should you want handy tips or detailed care guides for your Japanese Black Pine, feel free to visit our plant care resources or reach out anytime—we’re always happy to help your garden flourish.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Japanesse Black Pine

It was delivered in good condition, I planted it as soon as it was delivered, It's doing verry well.

Hello Janet,

Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience with your Japanese Black Pine! We’re delighted to hear it arrived in great condition and that it is thriving after planting. It sounds like you gave it the best possible start by planting it promptly—good care always makes such a difference.

If you ever want tips on pruning or ensuring your pine flourishes through the seasons, feel free to reach out. Japanese Black Pines can benefit from occasional shaping and proper watering, especially as they establish. We’re always happy to provide tailored guidance for your beloved tree!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Japanesse Black Pine

It was delivered in good condition, I planted it as soon as it was delivered, It's doing verry well.

Hi Janet,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with your Japanese Black Pine! We’re delighted to hear it arrived in great condition and is thriving after planting. Those trees can become stunning focal points in any garden, so it’s fantastic to know yours is off to such a healthy start.

If you ever have questions about care – like pruning tips to maintain its shape or advice for ensuring it stays healthy through the seasons – don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to provide guidance to help your Black Pine flourish.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Japanese Black Pine