Plant Library
Upright Golden Mugo Pine Pinus mugo 'Aurea Fastigiata' Height: 15 feet Spread: 6 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 2b Other Names: Mugho Pine, Swiss Mountain Pine Description: This unusual, upright pyramidal variety features stiff branches that are held closely to the trunk; needles are light green in spring and summer and turn a striking yellow in the winter; resists damage from snow load; an ideal accent or narrow hedge Ornamental Features Upright Golden Mugo Pine is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has attractive yellow-variegated light green foliage with hints of gold which emerges chartreuse in spring. The needles are highly ornamental and remain light green throughout the winter. Landscape Attributes Upright Golden Mugo Pine is a dense evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage. This is a relatively low maintenance tree. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics. Upright Golden Mugo Pine is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Upright Golden Mugo Pine will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It has a low canopy, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more. This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. This plant does not require much in the way of fertilizing once established. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.
