Pinus mugo – Why the Mugo Pine Is Overused (and Often Misunderstood)

The Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo) is one of the most overused and misunderstood evergreens in modern landscaping. While tough and naturally compact, it often becomes overgrown and unattractive due to improper care—especially the lack of annual candling. In this post, I explore its alpine origins, the best cultivars, common pests, and why thoughtful selection and maintenance are essential for success.

Spring Pruning of Conifers

These are the candles on the Dwarf Scots Pine.

I have to say we are at the end of the time to complete this garden task BUT complete it we must. What I am about to share with you is a pruning technique called candling. This process needs to be completed before the growth starts to harden off. This is a photo of some … Read more