Pinus Pinaster Maritime Pine

Pinus Pinaster or the Maritime Pine is a European species of evergreen conifer with a rounded dense crown of needles. It’s a good choice for coastal or wildlife areas and creates tall year-round evergreen screening.

Pinus Pinaster is a conifer native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean. It’s widely used in the maritime industry which has given it the common name Maritime Pine. Other countries have introduced Pinus Pinaster including Australia and South Africa and it’s been planted in the UK since the 16^th century but only thrives in the warmer southern regions as it’s somewhat sensitive to cold.

Pinus Pinaster has long 25 cms grey-green needles with a lighter stripe arranged on open airy branches. Purple pine cones sometimes form in the summer and ripen to 15 cm long light brown cylinders. Its cones often remain in place for several years before ripening and shedding winged seeds. As it grows, the needles create a dense, rounded crown on a tall, clear reddish-brown trunk with peeling bark and darker grooves on mature specimens.

Maritime Pine is a large versatile conifer that withstands coastal sprays and thrives in a warm region.

Height And Spread of Pinus Pinaster
Reaching a maximum height of 40 metres over 50 years Maritime Pine is a large conifer that needs space to grow.

How Hardy Is Pinus Pinaster
Pinus Pinaster will thrive in warmer areas of the UK such as the south coast. It needs full sun and is hardy down to minus temperatures if the roots are well-drained. It tolerates pollution and coastal sprays too.

How To Use Pinus Pinaster
Pinus Pinaster is an easy-grow evergreen conifer that’s relatively underused in the UK and often difficult to source.
It suits large spaces with plenty of room for it to grow. Use it to create grey-green hedges or screens in coastal areas and add height with textural interest to a landscape. 

How To Care For Pinus Pinaster
Little to no care is required once it’s established. Choose a spot in full sun with free-draining soil and Maritime Pine takes care of itself.
Regular pruning isn’t needed, but as it grows you can remove the lower branches to reveal its reddish bark. Prune away crossed or damaged branches in winter and water well until established.