Stone Pine

The Stone Pine (Pinus pinea) is the umbrella shaped pine of the Mediterranean, the tree behind every postcard of a Tuscan driveway, and the source of true pine nuts. In Australia it builds to around 12m tall and 8m wide, developing its flat topped crown as it matures. It is a landmark tree for large gardens, rural blocks and coastal properties.

Why you'll love it

• A silhouette nothing else offers. Young trees are dense and rounded; with age the canopy lifts and flattens into the classic parasol.
• Real pine nuts. The large cones carry the edible kernels sold as pine nuts, though harvests build slowly and cockatoos compete for them.
• Serious toughness. Frost hardy, drought tolerant, heat tolerant and coastal salt tolerant.
• A genuine legacy tree. Stone pines live for generations. Plant one well and it outlasts the fence, the paint and probably the house.

Where it works best

Feature and shade planting on space. Give it a wide lawn, a paddock corner or a long view. Allow at least 8m clear of buildings, and more from pools and paving.

Coastal gardens. Salt wind that burns most large trees only gives a stone pine character. It anchors exposed seaside properties where choices are thin.

Windbreaks on rural blocks. A spaced row at 6m to 8m centres filters wind over a wide zone and doubles as a nut crop.

Growing the Stone Pine in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, always. It suits Mediterranean, warm temperate, cool temperate and dry inland climates, which covers most of southern Australia; in the humid tropics choose a different pine. Frost is no concern.

Soil. Free draining is the only requirement, and sandy or gravelly soils that starve other trees suit it perfectly. Avoid waterlogged ground.

Water and feed. Water deeply and infrequently for the first two summers, then stop. Established trees need nothing in most years, fertiliser included; hard conditions build the best shape.

Pruning. Minimal. Lift the lowest branches while the tree is young if you want clearance beneath, and leave the crown to form its umbrella naturally.

What to expect when it arrives

Sizes run from 200mm pots in packs of 6 for a windbreak row, through 400mm plants around knee to waist height, up to 45L and 100L advanced stock with a solid trunk and dense crown. The 45L is sometimes grown to order and may show as backorder; we confirm timing before anything is charged or shipped. Stock is delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95, and advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect little visible growth the first season while the roots establish, then steady annual pushes. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse all evergreen trees
• More windbreak trees and shrubs
• Plants proven in coastal conditions
• More edible plants and bush tucker

Common questions

How long until it looks like the postcard?

The flat parasol crown develops over decades. Advanced stock buys a dense, characterful pine now.

When will I get pine nuts?

Cones appear as the tree matures and harvests build slowly over many years. Plant it for the tree and treat the nuts as a bonus.

Can I grow it in a suburban backyard?

Only a large one. At 12m by 8m with a substantial root system it needs clear space, and it is the wrong tree beside a boundary fence, pool or driveway.

Does it drop much?

Needles and, with age, large cones. Site it over garden or lawn rather than guttering or parked cars and neither is a problem.