Pinus Schwerinii Wiethorst or Schwerins Pine Wiethorst

Pinus Schwerinii Wiethorst, commonly known as Schwerin’s Pine Wiethorst, is a compact, slow-growing evergreen dwarf conifer with an elegant shape. It has soft green needles with a silvery-blue underside. With its refined form and early cone production in abundance, this pine brings lasting structure and colour to gardens throughout the year.

Pinus x Schwerinii is a hybrid conifer cross between Pinus Wallichiana and Pinus Strobus which originates from Schwerin, Germany. Pinus Schwerinii Wiethorst is an upright compact cultivar having light green needles with silver-blue undersides. From an early age, it produces an abundance of decorative oblong cones. Origins in Germany 1987 by Johann Weitling, Giesselhorst (Germany), hence the name Weithorst!

Schwerin’s Pine Wiethorst forms a neat, broadly conical outline with long, soft needles that hang gently, creating a feathery effect. The blue-green foliage provides a serene colour tone that contrasts attractively with darker evergreens. Cones appear while the tree is still young, starting pale blue-green and resinous before maturing to brown. They hang from the branches in clusters, adding a sculptural detail to the tree’s graceful frame.

The compact stature and symmetrical growth of Pinus Schwerinii Wiethorst make it a reliable choice for small gardens and formal spaces. It combines beautifully with other slow-growing conifers, ornamental grasses, and heathers for a varied yet harmonious display.

Height and spread of Schwerin’s Pine Wiethorst

This pine reaches around 2.5 metres in height and about 1.5 metres in width at maturity, forming a dense, pyramidal silhouette that remains tidy without pruning.

How hardy is Pinus Schwerinii Wiethorst?

Pinus Schwerinii Wiethorst is fully hardy throughout the UK. It tolerates frost and wind once established but performs best in a sunny, sheltered position with good drainage. Its hardiness and resilience are reflected in its RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Uses in garden and landscape:

Ideal for borders, rock gardens, and feature planting, Schwerin’s Pine Wiethorst provides architectural shape and soft texture. Its conical habit and cool-toned needles make it a superb backdrop to flowering shrubs and perennials, particularly those with red or gold tones. In larger schemes, it works well as a companion to other conifers such as Pinus Nigra or Abies Koreana, enriching the composition with colour and texture contrast.

Care tips:

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil, avoiding wet conditions. Slightly acidic or neutral soils are best. Once established, the tree requires little care beyond occasional watering in dry spells. Minimal pruning is needed – simply remove any damaged branches as required. An annual mulch will help retain moisture and keep roots cool during summer.