Golden Japanese Black Pine

Renowned for its electric golden needles and rugged coastal charm, Pinus thunbergii 'Ogon' is a vivid, slow-growing Japanese Black Pine that forms a picturesque, upright conifer. It's long, paired needles open a fresh lime-green in Spring before intensifying into a glowing yellow that shines through the winter months. As the new growth begins in Spring, crisp white terminal candles rise at the branch tips, creating an eye-catching contrast against the golden canopy. It thrives as a striking focal point in sunny gravel borders, rockeries, or exposed coastal sites where poor soils and salt spray test weaker plants. Low maintenance and naturally resilient, the Golden Japanese Black Pine requires virtually no pruning—though pinching back the soft Spring candles will encourage a denser, more compact habit if desired.

Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastal exposure
Soil: Light, well-drained, acid to neutral soil. Tolerates poor sandy and acidic soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: All year
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 8-13’ (2.5-4m) Spread: 6-8’ (1.8-2.5m) at maturity. Slow to establish & grow

Images by Drew Avery cropped and licensed under CC BY 2.0