Slowmound Mugo Pine

Pinus mugo 'Slowmound'

The Slowmound Mugo Pine is a compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub known for its dense, rounded form and year-round green needles. It is cold-hardy (Zone 2-7), drought-tolerant, and requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, foundation plantings, and small landscapes in Southwest Saskatchewan.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 2-7 (very winter-hardy, great for Saskatchewan)
• Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Slow (1-3 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best growth in at least 6 hours of sun)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil.
  • Tolerates rocky or poor soils.
  • Can handle slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils (pH 5.5-7.5).
• Spacing: 3-5 feet apart for individual plantings or mass groupings.

Watering

• Young Plants (First Year): Water deeply once per week to establish roots.
• Established Plants: Drought-tolerant; water every 2-3 weeks in dry periods.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers dry to medium moisture levels—too much water can cause root rot.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed.
• Mature Plants:
  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10 or 12-6-6) in early spring if needed.
  • Organic options: Compost or well-rotted manure in spring.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Minimal pruning required—naturally maintains its compact, rounded shape.
• Best Time to Prune: Late spring to early summer.
• How to Prune:
  • Candle pruning (pinching back new growth in spring) can help maintain density.
  • Remove dead, diseased, or misshapen branches as needed.

Pest & Disease Management

Common Pests:

• Pine Sawflies – Larvae feed on needles.
  • Solution: Hand-pick or apply insecticidal soap.
• Spider Mites – Can cause yellowing needles.
  • Solution: Hose off with water or use insecticidal soap.
• Scale Insects – Cause needle discoloration.
  • Solution: Treat with horticultural oil.

Common Diseases:

• Needle Cast (Rhizosphaera or Lophodermium) – Causes browning and needle drop.
  • Solution: Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed.
• Root Rot (Phytophthora, Armillaria) – A risk in wet soils.
  • Solution: Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

Winter Protection

• Very cold-hardy (Zone 2), but young plants benefit from mulching around the base.
• Sunscald Prevention: Burlap wrapping can be used in harsh winters, but usually unnecessary.
• Deer & Rodents: Generally resistant, but may need protection in areas with high wildlife activity.

Landscape Uses

Perfect for small gardens, rock gardens, and foundation plantings
Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established
Great as a border plant, mass planting, or specimen shrub
Year-round green color adds winter interest
Resistant to deer and urban pollution

Additional Notes:

• Slowmound Mugo Pine is smaller and denser than standard Mugo Pines, making it ideal for compact spaces.
• It is an excellent choice for xeriscaping due to its drought tolerance.
• Lifespan: Can live 50+ years with proper care.

Photo courtesy of Foothills Nursery