Characteristics

Very slow growth, green-blue needles, rough, platy, grey bark; produces new spring shoots, called “candles” in March/April and replaces the old needles in October.

Care

Loves well-ventilated places in full sun, both in Mediterranean and mountain areas. Well-drained, neutral pH soil; water stagnation must be avoided, water only when the soil is completely dry. Treat once with a slow release fertilizer in spring; provide a preventive anti-fungal treatment in winter as well as a mineral oil insecticide treatment.

Pruning

Pinch off the candles in April (or before they open into needles) to an even length of about 0.5-1cm; in October prune back late shoots which might appear. In October/November it is advised to remove the old yellow needles by hand.