Mexican Weeping Pine
Regarded as on of the best pine trees by many, Pinus patula is a medium sized tree with a natural pendulous habit it is commonly called the Mexican Weeping Pine. It has a number of standout characteristics.
Very attractive weeping foliage, wonderful deep red texttured bark and interesting cones make this one of the truely great pines.
It makes an excellent specimen tree in larger gardens and parks and can also be used as a barrier tree on larger properties.
The flowers are insignificant and are followed by large pine cones. An added feature is the attractive bark on mature specimens.
Good specimens can be seen in the Geelong and Melbourne Botanic Gardens as well as in Canberra in various localities.
How To Grow Pinus patula – Basic Care
Being both drought and frost tolerant this is also a long lived tree. It grows well in a range of soil types as long as they are well drained.
- Plant in a well drained soil in a sunny position.
- Water in well and provide some extra water during long dry spells for the first two years.
- Mulch around the plant to maintain a cool moist root run.
Pruning
Generally not required
Propagation
Propagation is usually from seed.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Pinus patula
- Common Name – Mexican Weeping Pine.
- Family – Pinaceae
- Position – Full sun to a little shade.
- Soil – Well drained.
- Height – To around 15 metres.
- Spread – To around 10 metres
- Growth rate – Medium to Fast
- Foliage – Mid green, typical pine needles.
- Flowers – Cones.
- Flowering time – Spring.
- Frost tolerant – Yes
- Drought tolerant – Yes once established.