Plant of the Month: Chief Joseph Lodgepole Pine
Although there’s not too much blooming and showing off this time of year, you can still find a handful of plants that can brighten up any winter day. Chief Joseph Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta ‘Chief Joseph’) will add a bit of sunny yellow to your garden where color may be lacking in winter.
In winter, its evergreen needles are a bright, golden color. By springtime, new needles are dark green and then mature to chartreuse in late summer. It’s stunning color and graceful appearance year around make it a great option for a focal plant.
Once established, the Chief Joseph Lodgepole Pine is quite water wise. It should be planted in full sun (for the best coloring) and well-drained soils. It will get to be about 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide in about 10 years and up to 20 feet tall and 6 feet wide over 10 years, so it is slow growing.
What’s your favorite plant to brighten up a winter day? Let us know in the comments, we’d love to hear from you!
2 comments... (add a comment)