Other Names:  Dragon's Eye Japanese Red Pine

The Dragon Eye Japanese Pine, Pinus densiflora 'Oculis-Draconis', is an exceptionally cool evergreen tree that is destined to be a star and conversation piece in the landscape. Originally discovered in Japan in the 1800s, it has stood the test of time and graced many a garden for good reasons. Its most outstanding characteristic are the whorls of long dark green needles variegated with two contrasting bands of white to yellow, giving the tree a glowing appearance. When looking at a whorl from above, the circular pattern of variegation looks like a "dragon's eye," hence the name. A moderate grower adding 6 to 10 inches in height per year, Dragon Eye can reach 10 to 12 feet tall at 10 years of age and up to 30 or 40 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide over time. That said, candles can be cut to half their length during the first few years to encourage denser branching and foliage and smaller size over the long term. Whether you prune of not is up to you. The tree is beautiful either way. No two trees will look the same as the tree is known to grow in irregular shapes with somewhat twisting branches and trunk, which add to its character and overall appeal. As the tree ages, its bark separates to reveal orange-colored underbark, which contrasts nicely with the foliage. Easy to grow in USDA Zones 4 through 7 in well-drained soil of average to low fertility and as much sun as you can give it.

The Dragon Eye Japanese Pine is ideal for use as a focal point specimen in sunny garden beds, landscape borders and even informal, more natural home foundation plantings. Also suitable for containers that can be situated on sunny patios, decks and around other outdoor living spaces. A fine addition to conifer gardens, rock gardens and the Xeriscape (low water need) gardens.

Spacing:  22 feet apart for spaced groupings