Pinus mugo var. pumilio – Dwarf Mugo Pine Evergreen Shrub

Dwarf Mugo Pine

1 Gallon

$46.00

1/4

Dwarf Mugo Pine

Pinus mugo var. pumilio, Dwarf Mountain Pine, Mugo Pine 'Pumilio'

A true alpine dwarf pine forming a dense, low-growing evergreen mound—exceptionally cold-hardy, wind-tolerant, and ideal for slopes, rock gardens, and foundation plantings.

$46.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Pinus mugo var. pumilio is a naturally occurring dwarf form of Mugo Pine, prized for its compact habit, rugged resilience, and year-round evergreen structure. Unlike upright Mugo selections, pumilio stays low and spreading, creating a dense, ground-hugging form that performs reliably in both ornamental and functional landscapes.

This cultivar is especially valued in modern residential gardens, alpine-style landscapes, and commercial plantings where durability and low maintenance are essential.

Key Benefits

Naturally dwarf and compact—no aggressive pruning required
Excellent cold hardiness and wind resistance
Dense evergreen foliage provides year-round structure
Performs well in poor, rocky, or sandy soils
Extremely long-lived and stable once established

Ideal Uses

Slopes & erosion control
Rock gardens & alpine designs
Foundation plantings
Low evergreen massing
Modern, minimalist landscapes

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Mature Height: 2–4 ft
Mature Spread: 4–8 ft
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Form: Low mound to spreading mat
Foliage: Dark green needles, dense and stiff

Is Pinus mugo var. pumilio a true dwarf pine?

Yes. Pinus mugo var. pumilio is a naturally occurring dwarf alpine pine. Unlike some “dwarf” conifers that eventually outgrow their space, this variety maintains a low, spreading form throughout its lifetime.

How large will it get in a residential landscape?

When fully mature, it typically reaches 2–4 feet tall and 4–8 feet wide, depending on growing conditions. Growth is slow and controlled, making it suitable for long-term placement without frequent pruning.

Does this plant require regular pruning?

No. Regular pruning is not necessary. Some gardeners choose to lightly pinch new spring “candles” to refine shape, but this is optional and purely aesthetic.

Is Pinus mugo var. pumilio suitable for slopes or erosion control?

Yes. Its dense, spreading root system and low-growing habit make it an excellent choice for slopes, banks, and erosion-prone areas.

How much sun does it need?

It performs best in full sun, but it can tolerate light shade. In shadier conditions, growth may be slightly looser and slower.

Is it drought tolerant?

Once established, Pinus mugo var. pumilio is drought-tolerant and requires only occasional deep watering. During the first growing season, consistent moisture helps ensure strong root development.

Can it handle Bay Area climate conditions?

Yes. This plant is highly adaptable and performs well across the Bay Area, including coastal, inland, and hillside environments. It tolerates wind, temperature swings, and a wide range of soil types as long as drainage is good.

Is it deer resistant?

While no plant is completely deer-proof, Pinus mugo var. pumilio is generally considered deer-resistant due to its stiff needles and resinous foliage.

Does it work well in containers?

It can be grown in large containers for several years, especially when young. However, it performs best long-term when planted in the ground where it can fully establish its root system.

Is this plant safe for long-term landscape planning?

Yes. Its slow growth, predictable size, and long lifespan make it a reliable evergreen for permanent landscape designs—often used in professional and commercial projects for exactly this reason.