Mugo pine shrub is a versatile plant that can be used as a hedge, windbreak, or specimen plant in the landscape. It is a slow-growing evergreen with a dense, rounded form. The dark green needles of mugo pine are 3-5 inches long and arranged in pairs. The orange-brown cones are about 2 inches long and mature in 18-24 months.
Related plant:
Pinus Mugo
About soil of Mugo pine shrub, it should be a well-drained soil mix. The soil mix should be one part peat moss to one part Perlite or sand. The pH of the soil should be around 5.0 to 6.5. You can use a garden hose to test the soil pH.
So, like the other mugo pines, the mugo pine shrub requires full sun to partial sun in order to grow properly. Full sun is defined as 6 or more hours of direct sun per day. Partial sun is defined as 3 to 6 hours of direct sun per day. If you live in an area with hot summers, it's best to plant the shrub in an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
The temperature condition that is best for mugo pines is cool to cold weather. Mugo pines are shrubs that are native to Europe and Asia. They are known for their hardiness and can withstand colder temperatures than other types of plants.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is soil that is moist but not soggy. The best way to achieve this is to use a pot with drainage holes and to water the plant when the topsoil is dry to the touch. If the air in your home is too dry, you can increase the humidity around the plant by placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
For the fertilizer, this family of plant is known to be responsive to organic and inorganic fertilizers. It is best to use a fertilizer with a low nitrogen content because too much nitrogen will encourage the growth of foliage at the expense of the flowers and fruit. An application of compost or well-rotted manure in late winter is adequate for most shrubs. For the roots, mugo pines are known to have a shallow root system so they don't need a lot of digging when transplanting. They like well-drained soil and do not like to be waterlogged.
Pruning is a key part of keeping your mugo pine shrub healthy and looking its best. By pruning off dead or diseased branches, you allow new growth to flourish. Pruning also helps to control the size and shape of the shrub. The best time to prune your mugo pine is in late winter or early spring.
Propagation is very easy with mugo pine. Simply take a cutting from the desired plant, being sure to include a few inches of stem. Place the cutting in a glass of water, and put it in a sunny spot. After a few weeks, the cutting will have developed roots, and can be transplanted into soil.
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the age and species of the plant, with younger plants tending to grow faster than older ones. Many mugo pine species have a slow growth rate, however, there are some that can grow quite quickly. Some of the faster-growing mugo pine species include the 'Mops' and 'Burgundy Glow'.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, needledrop, and branch dieback. All of these problems can be caused by incorrect watering, over-fertilizing, or damage from pests. To prevent these problems, water your mugo pine regularly and deeply, fertilize it sparingly, and check it for insects and other pests.
Source:
Mugo Pine - Bellarmine University
Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo) - Selecting Shrubs for Your Home
ENH-626/ST467: Pinus mugo: Mugo Pine - University of Florida
