Pinus mugo

The dwarf mountain pine, Pinus mugo, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the mountain ranges of Europe, including the Pyrenees, Alps, Carpathians and Appenines.

All year round it's a source of colour and structure in the garden, and in spring it produces male and female flowers, the males being a lovely golden colour. Pinus mugo makes a lovely addition to alpine gardens, sunny meadows and gravel gardens.

For best results grow Pinus mugo in full sun in well-drained soil. Little maintenance is required, though to keep it more compact the new growth, known as 'candles', can be cut back with secateurs.