My neighbor wants to give us a prized Sciadopitys, 5-6′ high.
In transplanting this cultivar now in Skagit County, what would you
recommend? How tall do these get in the Pacific Northwest?
Sciadopitys verticillata is listed in Great Plant Picks, a website of
plants recommended for our area. Here is what they have to say about this tree:
Outstanding Qualities:
The thick, dark green needles of this unusual evergreen conifer are held
like the ribs of an umbrella around its stems, giving it a unique
appearance. It is very slow-growing and columnar in shape, which makes it
suitable for small gardens. Japanese umbrella pine (or parasol pine)
creates an eye-catching accent in the landscape. Despite its common name,
this is not a true pine (genus Pinus). Like the dawn redwood, Sciadopitys
was once widespread, even growing in Europe, where it is seen in the
fossil record. Due to climate changes and competition, its native range
was reduced to a few towns in central Honshu, in japan. However, it has
been grown around monasteries in Japan for centuries. This species is the
only one in the genus.
Culture:
Japanese umbrella pine grows well in full sun or part shade. It prefers
acidic soil that is well-drained (sandy is ideal) with some organic
matter. In very hot or windy sites, it may sustain damage to its thick
needles.
Growing Habit:
Japanese umbrella pine is an evergreen, coniferous tree. Its habit is
columnar to pyramidal, growing 6 to 7 feet high and 3 feet wide in ten
years. While it reaches 120 feet in the mountains of Japan, in
cultivation it is seldom taller than 30 feet, with a spread of about 10
feet.
Hardiness:
USDA zones 6 to 8
As for transplanting, University of Wisconsin’s Master Gardener manual
says to transplant balled and burlapped or container-grown plants, and
plant in rich, moist, acid soil in a sunny, open spot. Wind protection is
essential, and you should avoid hot spots with intense afternoon sun. It
is slow-growing, and drought tolerant once established.