Pinus Sylvestris Chantry Blue Scots Pine

Pinus Sylvestris Chantry Blue or Scots Pine Chantry Blue is a small or dwarf variety of Scots Pine that won’t get overly large. Its striking blue-green needles and attractive cones, as well as its relatively small size and slow growth pattern, make it a great choice where year-round interest is desired.

The Scots Pine is native to the United Kingdom, and this Chantry Blue variety was developed at the Chantry Nursery in Devon. It is notable for its narrow needles, bluer than other Scots Pines and 5-7 cm long, complemented by the 5-cm long cones which develop in clumps at the tips of the branches, ripening to red-brown, sometimes remaining for years. The thin, reddish bark peels attractively.

Hardy throughout the UK and northern Europe, Pinus Sylvestris Chantry Blue will slowly grow to a height and spread of 1.5 metres in 10 years, and will reach a mature height of 6 metres and spread of 4 metres in 50 years. It does not need to be pruned, and in fact Scots Pine Chantry Blue will look best if left in its natural irregular, bushy shape. 

Scots Pine Chantry Blue should be planted in full sun, in any well-drained soil, in an exposed or sheltered position. In a country location care should be taken to protect young trees from grazing by deer. Pinus Sylvestris Chantry Blue will do well in coastal regions and as it is tolerant of pollution is an excellent choice for city gardens. 

Grown as a single specimen, as a clump or hedge, or in a mixed planting, Pinus Sylvestris Chantry Blue should be situated so that its striking blue foliage will show to its best advantage in winter. Placed at the back of a mixed border, it will be an attractive backdrop to summer flowers and then take on a starring role in winter, when its blue needles will look especially striking against snow or frost. Planted as hedging, a row of Scots Pine Chantry Blue will provide both year-round privacy and colour, as well as being a welcoming home for birds and other wildlife. In an exposed position such as a coastal garden, such a hedge would also make an excellent windbreak to protect more tender plants. In a woodland or wildlife garden, consider planting a single specimen or, if space permits, a clump of Pinus Sylvestris Chantry Blue.

Pinus Sylvestris Chantry Blue is a low-maintenance, slow-growing and long-living Scots Pine which will brighten your garden with its blue foliage. Whether planted as a single specimen or in a clump, this new variety of a classic UK tree will make a welcome addition to your garden!