Soft Touch White Pine

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

4-5 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Soft Touch White Pine, or Pinus Strobus ‘Soft Touch’, is an evergreen dwarf-variety conifer with narrow, wavy tufts of short needles compacted on dense, snug branches. Reaching heights of 3 to 4 feet with a spread of 4 to 5 feet, these airy, fluffy mini pines are easy-to-grow, and perfect for anyone looking for a softer edge to their landscape. They produce green cones that ripen into a golden color as the season progresses.

This Cary Award Winning recipient is hardy and low-maintenance. Native to the United States, the Soft Touch White Pine has a dense growth habit and slow-growing speed that make it perfect for smaller spaces. It has a smooth, rounded, globe-like growth habit that has both landscaping and small rock garden appeal. It is relatively drought tolerant and suitable for xeriscaping.

Soft Touch White Pine Care

The Soft Touch White Pine thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The best soil for the Soft Touch is rich, acidic clay that is well-drained with even moisture. Planting the Soft Touch in Alkaline soil may lead to yellow needles. This pine is strong, but should be planted in an area that is sheltered from the wind. They are moderately drought tolerant after being established. They are vulnerable to some pests and diseases, most prominently, needle blight, rust, aphids, and sawflies. Watch your tree for signs of distress. 

Soft Touch does not require heavy pruning, and you should only trim back new growth, rather than cutting into the canopy of the tree. You should also trim away any dead or diseased branches. Pruning should be done in the late fall or early spring before seasonal growth has begun.

Soft Touch White Pine Spacing

Soft Touch White Pine should be planted 3 to 4 feet apart. They are beautiful and individual specimen trees, but can also be planted en masse along woodland borders. It is a great option for anyone looking for year round color in a smaller space.