Bhutan pine (Himalayan white pine) Pinus wallichiana
Bhutan pine (Himalayan white pine) (Pinus wallichiana) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Pinaceae family, native to Himalaya from Afghanistan to Bhutan, Tibet and Yunnan. It grows 20–35 m (66–115 ft) tall and 8–12 m (26–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 10 m (33 ft) apart.
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Bhutan pine (Himalayan white pine) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Mature height | 20–35 m (66–115 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–12 m (26–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 10 m (33 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Himalaya from Afghanistan to Bhutan, Tibet and Yunnan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇳 India, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Bhutan pine (Himalayan white pine) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bhutan pine (Himalayan white pine)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Bhutan pine (Himalayan white pine)
- How far apart should I plant Bhutan pine (Himalayan white pine)?
- About 10 m (33 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–12 m (26–39 ft).
- Does Bhutan pine (Himalayan white pine) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bhutan pine (Himalayan white pine) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Bhutan pine (Himalayan white pine)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- Is Bhutan pine (Himalayan white pine) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Bhutan pine (Himalayan white pine)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bhutan pine (Himalayan white pine). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of Nepal (online flora and checklist), Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh with Nepalese and international partners
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A graceful five-needled pine with long, soft, drooping blue-green needles and long banana-shaped cones dripping with white resin. Fast growing; a large tree for parks and big gardens.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Colorado blue spruce Picea pungens
- Japanese black pine Pinus thunbergii
- Eastern white pine Pinus strobus
- Scots pine Pinus sylvestris
- Norway spruce Picea abies
- Siberian larch Larix sibirica
- Two-needle piñon Pinus edulis