Horsford Dwarf Eastern White Pine

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 9

With its pillow-like form of light-green needles, the Horsford Dwarf Eastern White Pine just begs to have a hand run over it. Also known as Pinus strobus 'Horsford', this dwarf Eastern Pine is evergreen and will add interest and form wherever it is grown. Being a dwarf cultivar, ‘Horsford’ rarely grows more than 2-3 feet high and 3-4 feet wide, which makes it suitable for planting along foundations or dotting around a border. This Pinus is very hardy and suitable for growing in zones 4 to 9.

Its soft and tactile needles form on densely packed branches, which produce cones as it matures. Thankfully resistant to deer, this evergreen is as perfectly suited to growing in rural landscapes as it is in urban areas. Native to Northeastern Canada and the US, the Horsford Dwarf Eastern White Pine is suitable for growing in rock gardens or perennial borders where it will provide winter interest and soft texture. 

Horsford Dwarf Eastern White Pine Care

The Horsford Dwarf Eastern White Pine is happiest when grown in full sun, but can also tolerate some partial shade. It is best grown in slightly acidic or neutral soil that is fertile and free draining, as it can struggle in alkaline and compacted ground. Regular watering is required for the first couple of years as it gets its root down. However, once established, watering is generally only needed during prolonged hot and dry spells. When grown in rich soil, fertilization is not usually necessary. In poor soils or to give it a boost, a general fertilizer can be applied in spring.

Pruning is only required to control the shape and size of this shrub and to promote bushy new growth. To prune Horsford Dwarf Eastern White Pine, simply cut back up to half of the new ‘candle’ growth using clean and sharp tools in the spring.

Horsford Dwarf Eastern White Pine Spacing

Depending on the growing conditions, the Horsford Dwarf Eastern White Pine can reach a final size of 2-3 feet tall by 3-4 feet wide. When planting this dwarf pine in a group, space plants around 3-4 feet apart to help accentuate its attractive, mound-like form.