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#6732
KOTOBUKI DWARF JAPANESE BLACK PINE
Pinus thunbergii 'Kotobuki'
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5 gallon Potted
(SKU: 20064)
0 - Available Now -
Details
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List Price $185.00 Per Plant
Hardiness Zone: 5-9 · Mature Height: 4-6 Feet · Mature Spread: 2-3 Feet
Meet Kotobuki Dwarf Japanese Black Pine—a sculptural standout that brings the timeless elegance of Japanese gardens into even the smallest spaces. This rare dwarf form of Japanese Black Pine is prized for its upright, columnar habit and short, dark-green needles, which create a crisp, refined texture year-round. Slow growing, 'Kotobuki' is perfect for small urban gardens, rock gardens, and highly stylized spaces where vertical form matters.
Each spring, this pine sends out creamy white "candles" that contrast beautifully with the dark foliage, adding another layer of visual drama. As it matures, its irregular branching pattern and narrow, pyramidal form develop into a striking architectural silhouette—perfect for lovers of bonsai, Japanese aesthetics, or minimalist design. The shorter needles and slow growth also make it a dream for bonsai enthusiasts looking for an easy-to-train specimen.
But don't let its delicate appearance fool you—Kotobuki Dwarf Japanese Black Pine is as tough as they come. It's salt-tolerant, drought-resistant, deer-resistant, wind-hardy, and thrives in everything from gritty sand to compacted clay. Whether planted in a refined courtyard or alongside boulders in a windswept rock garden, this compact conifer delivers year-round interest and timeless beauty with very little upkeep.
Family: Pinaceae · Common Name: Pine
FREE with every plant purchased:
- The Sooner Guarantee: For details, click here!
- A pre-applied, pre-measured amount of time release fertilizer that keeps your plant well nourished for up to one year.
- Pre-hydrated Hydro-Gels are included in the top of each container to use when planting as they help retain soil moisture, and plants will establish more quickly with less transplant shock. Plants will also survive drought-like conditions and accidental missed waterings better.
- Planting and Care Instruction brochure.
- Catalogs of new and exciting plant brands, such as Garden Debut® and Proven Winners®.
We use and recommend www.dripdepot.com for our irrigation needs, from simple to install micro and drip systems, to commercial grade irrigation parts and supplies.
KOTOBUKI DWARF JAPANESE BLACK PINE Plant Characteristics
Bark Type*
| • | Rough |
Cultural Information*
| • | Leaf Scorch - High Resistance |
| • | Leaf Spot - High Resistance |
| • | Powdery Mildew - High Resistance |
| • | Root Rot - High Resistance |
Flower Color*
| • | Creamy White |
Fruit Type*
| • | Non-Edible Fruit |
Growth Rate*
| • | Slow |
Leaf Color Fall*
| • | Green |
Leaf Color Spring*
| • | Green |
Leaf Color Summer*
| • | Green |
Plant Type*
| • | Conifer |
Preferred Soil Conditions*
| • | Adapts Well to Most Soil Types |
| • | Average |
| • | Drought Tolerant |
| • | Moist |
| • | Prefers Low pH (Acidic Soils) |
| • | Well-Drained |
Season of Interest*
| • | Early Spring |
| • | Fall |
| • | Late Spring/Early Summer |
| • | Late Summer/Early Autumn |
| • | Spring |
| • | Summer |
| • | Winter |
| • | Year-Round |
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KOTOBUKI DWARF JAPANESE BLACK PINE Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips
- Recommended Soil:
- Adapts to a wide range of soils: clay, sandy, gritty, or loamy.
- Prefers well-drained conditions.
- Avoid wet, poorly draining areas.
- Sun Exposure:
- Best grown in full sun to bright partial shade.
- Needs at least 6 hours of sun for dense growth and strong candles
- Irrigation Needs:
- Water regularly when young to establish roots.
- Once established, it's drought-tolerant.
- Avoid overwatering—especially in heavy clay soils.
- Feeding & Nutrients:
- Feed with a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring.
- Optional: Use bonsai-specific fertilizer if trained.
- Pruning & Maintenance:
- Ideal for candle pruning in spring to control size and shape.
- Remove dead or crowded interior growth for better air flow.
- Stake in early years to encourage upright form if desired.
Interesting Notes About KOTOBUKI DWARF JAPANESE BLACK PINE
- Salt & Wind Warrior: Naturally salt- and wind-tolerant, 'Kotobuki' is an ideal choice for coastal gardens or windswept ridgelines where other trees might struggle.
- Bonsai Favorite: With short needles and slow, manageable growth, this cultivar is highly sought after by bonsai artists, offering structure and elegance in miniature form.
- Spring Candle Display: In spring, new growth emerges as silver-white candles, creating dramatic contrast against the deep green needles — a visual hallmark of Japanese pines.
- Centuries of Cultivation: 'Kotobuki' is a centuries-old cultivar originating from Japan, where it's been revered for its symbolism of strength, endurance, and longevity.
- Compact Yet Majestic: Reaching an estimated height of 4–5 feet tall in 10 years, it's ideal for small-space landscapes, rock gardens, or formal courtyard plantings where space is at a premium.
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