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Pumillio Mugho Pine Shrub

$12995 $29995
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Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

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Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Pumillio Mugho Pine Shrub

Pumillio Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo 'Pumilio') Planting Guide

Pumillio Mugo Pine is a compact, dwarf variety of the mugo pine, known for its dense, spreading growth and evergreen foliage. It's perfect for rock gardens, borders, or as a low-maintenance shrub in landscapes. Here's how to plant and care for it:

1) Planting Instructions:

  • Location & Timing: Pumillio Mugo Pine thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Plant in early spring or fall to avoid extreme heat or cold. This pine does well in USDA zones 2-7, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
  • Soil Preparation: These pines are highly adaptable but prefer well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Avoid heavy clay or poorly draining soils, as this can lead to root rot.
  • Digging & Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Position the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above the soil line. Backfill with the original soil, packing gently to eliminate air pockets. Mound the soil slightly around the base to ensure proper drainage and prevent water from pooling around the roots.
  • Spacing: Space plants 3 to 5 feet apart if you're planting multiple Pumillio Mugo Pines. They grow about 2-3 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide, so leave plenty of room for their natural spread.
  • Watering & Mulching: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to help conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature, leaving a gap around the trunk to avoid rot.

2) Care Instructions (Establishment Period):

  • Watering: During the first year, water your Pumillio Mugo Pine regularly to help establish strong roots. Water deeply once a week, especially during dry periods, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Once established, it will be drought-tolerant.
  • Fertilization: Fertilizing is usually unnecessary, but if your soil is poor, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Use an all-purpose formula, but avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to excessive growth.
  • Monitoring: Watch for signs of overwatering, such as yellowing needles or poor growth. Ensure the soil drains well, as these pines do not tolerate standing water. If you notice any pests, such as aphids or pine needle scale, treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.

3) Maintenance and Long-Term Care:

  • Watering & Fertilization: Once established, Pumillio Mugo Pines require minimal watering. During hot, dry summers, occasional deep watering is beneficial. They generally do not need fertilization, but you can give them a light feed in spring if growth is slow or the plant appears stressed.
  • Pruning: These pines have a naturally compact, rounded shape and require little to no pruning. However, you can lightly prune in late winter or early spring to shape or control the size. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. To maintain the dwarf shape, pinch back new growth (called candles) by half in the spring.
  • Pest Control: Pumillio Mugo Pines are relatively pest-resistant, but keep an eye out for common issues like spider mites or scale. If necessary, treat with appropriate insecticides or horticultural oils. Regularly inspect for signs of fungal diseases such as needle cast, particularly if the air circulation around the plant is poor.

Additional Tips for Growing Pumillio Mugo Pine:

  • Drought Tolerance: Once established, Pumillio Mugo Pines are highly drought-tolerant. While they still appreciate occasional deep watering during extended dry spells, they’re low-maintenance and ideal for xeriscaping or water-wise gardening.
  • Wind Resistance: This pine is excellent for areas prone to wind. Its sturdy structure and low growth habit make it resistant to wind damage, making it a great choice for exposed landscapes.
  • Dealing with Heavy Snow: In regions with heavy snowfall, the compact form of Pumillio Mugo Pine can handle snow accumulation well. However, you may want to brush off heavy snow to prevent any breakage, especially if snow becomes packed and heavy.
  • Companion Plants: Pumillio Mugo Pine pairs well with other drought-tolerant and low-growing plants. Consider combining it with creeping juniper, lavender, or ornamental grasses for a cohesive and visually appealing landscape design.
  • Rock Garden Favorite: This pine is a popular choice for rock gardens or sloped areas due to its rugged nature and ability to thrive in well-draining, rocky soil. It also helps stabilize soil on slopes, preventing erosion.
What Customers say about the Pumillio Mugho Pine Shrub:

The Pumillio Mugho Pine Shrub thrives in Zones 4-9

Growing Zones for the Pumillio Mugho Pine Shrub

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Pumillio Mugho Pine Shrub.

Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 4-9
Mature Height 6-10 ft.
Mature Width 6-10 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full to Partial Sun
Botanical Name Pinus mugo 'Pumilio'

Plants that Make a Difference

For 20+ years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners like you- all across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience

  • Superior Quality

  • Free Shipping on All Orders

  • Guaranteed to Grow

Low-growing Pumilio Mugo Pine in a rock garden with gravel and a wooden border.

Beware- not all Pumilio Mugo Pines are the same.

Be sure to get superior evergreens, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" evergreens to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Pumilio Mugo Pines in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that will explode with growth!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall evergreens in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" shrub, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy shrub.

Close-up of Pumilio Mugo Pine with upright light brown new growth (candles) among dark green needles.

Pumilio Mugo Pine is a slow-growing dwarf pine that forms a low, dense mound of rich green needles.

  • Stays low for years: about 2-3 ft. tall and 3-5 ft. wide
  • Easy to keep small by pinching back the spring candles
  • Highly drought tolerant once established, great for rock gardens and slopes
  • Extremely cold hardy, handling freezing temperatures and heavy snow

Not all plants are created equal

The Difference Is in the Roots

Every plant we ship has grown in a nursery container with its roots protected, so it arrives healthy, established and ready to thrive in your yard.

A full, branched Nationwide Plants tree in a nursery pot next to a thin bare-root tree with exposed roots Ours: container grown Theirs: bare root
Nationwide Plants Other Nurseries
How it's grown Grown in a nursery container, roots protected the whole time Pulled or dug from the field, tearing fragile roots
How it arrives Arrives in its pot with soil intact Arrives bare root, exposed and drying out
Before shipping Growing naturally until it ships Held dormant in a cooler, then shocked by a hot shipping box
Root health Strong, well-developed roots with room to grow Crammed into a small pot until it's root bound
Height Measured from the top of the soil Often includes the pot and roots
After planting Settles in quickly with less transplant shock Arrives stressed and can take years to recover, if it does

The height you see is the height you plant.

We measure every plant from the top of the soil, not the bottom of the pot. Many nurseries include the pot and roots, so a "5–6 ft." tree from them might stand only 4 ft. tall once it's planted.

Comparisons reflect common practices across the online plant industry, not any single company.

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure plants including the pot and roots, so the plant you receive is much smaller than you expected. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

From our nursery to your door

How We Ship Your Plants

Every order is hand-selected, watered and carefully packed so it arrives healthy and ready to plant. Here's what happens after you place your order.

  1. Hand-Picked for You

    Our team selects the best plant available for your order. For privacy trees, that's the tallest and fullest. For fruit trees, it's the best branched.

    Why it matters: Many online nurseries ship whatever is next in the row.

  2. A Deep Drink Before the Trip

    Every plant gets a thorough watering right before it's packed, so it starts the journey fully hydrated.

  3. Roots Sealed In

    We wrap the pot and roots in plastic to lock in moisture, so your plant has water to drink all the way to your door.

    Why it matters: Bare-root plants are often shipped with their roots exposed and drying out.

  4. Braced for the Ride

    Cardboard inserts are secured inside every box to hold your plant in place, so it won't slide, tip or get damaged in transit.

  5. Shipped Only by FedEx

    We ship your trees exclusively with FedEx. We've found they deliver the fastest and handle live plants the most gently.

And if anything goes wrong, every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!

You Want Pumilio Mugo Pines Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship thin, weak evergreens grown in tiny pots to save money. These "root bound" plants struggle after planting and take much longer to fill out.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Pumilio Mugo Pines, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed root systems. That means they settle in quickly and form a full, dense mound of green sooner.

Read more about the Pumillio Mugho Pine Shrub

Pumilio Mugo Pine – A Compact, Hardy Evergreen for Year-Round Appeal

The Pumilio Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo 'Pumilio') is a compact, low-growing evergreen shrub known for its dense, spreading form and rich green needles that provide year-round beauty. Perfect for small spaces, rock gardens, or as a foundation plant, this slow-growing pine adds texture, color, and structure to any landscape. Its adaptability, low-maintenance nature, and cold hardiness make the Pumilio Mugo Pine an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a tough, attractive shrub that thrives in a variety of settings.

Key Features of Pumilio Mugo Pine:

  • Compact, Dwarf Growth: This shrub stays small and manageable, growing 2-3 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide, making it ideal for smaller landscapes or tight spaces.
  • Year-Round Evergreen Foliage: Its dense, bright green needles stay vibrant all year long, providing consistent color and texture even in the winter months.
  • Low Maintenance & Slow Growing: The Pumilio Mugo Pine grows slowly, requiring little pruning or upkeep, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer low-maintenance landscapes.
  • Cold Hardy & Drought Tolerant: Thrives in USDA Zones 2-7, easily handling cold winters and dry conditions, making it a versatile option for a wide range of climates.
  • Adaptable to Various Soils: Tolerates a wide variety of soil types, including sandy, rocky, and well-drained clay soils, making it a great fit for challenging areas.

Perfect for Rock Gardens, Foundation Planting, or Ground Cover

The Pumilio Mugo Pine is the perfect addition to small gardens or as a low-maintenance foundation plant. Its naturally compact and spreading form makes it a popular choice for rock gardens, where its rich green needles add texture and color against stone features. Use it as a ground cover to fill in bare spots or create a dense, evergreen carpet in your landscape. Its size and hardiness make it a versatile option for both formal and informal garden designs.

Low-Maintenance Evergreen with Year-Round Beauty

One of the greatest advantages of the Pumilio Mugo Pine is its ability to thrive with little attention. This shrub is incredibly drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal watering. Its slow-growing nature means it maintains its tidy, compact shape with very little pruning, making it a worry-free choice for busy homeowners. With no need for extensive care, the Pumilio Mugo Pine provides consistent beauty year-round, enhancing your garden with vibrant green color, even in the coldest months.

Durable & Adaptable to Harsh Conditions

The Pumilio Mugo Pine is known for its toughness and resilience, thriving in some of the harshest conditions. It’s cold-hardy down to USDA Zone 2, making it ideal for northern climates that experience freezing temperatures and heavy snow. This pine is also highly tolerant of dry, rocky soils, which makes it a great choice for hillsides, slopes, or areas where other plants may struggle. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in both sunny and partially shaded areas, giving you flexibility in your landscape design.

Ideal for Smaller Yards or Containers

If you have a smaller yard or limited garden space, the Pumilio Mugo Pine is an ideal fit. Its compact size and tidy shape make it easy to incorporate into tight spaces, such as patios, entryways, or small garden beds. It also grows well in containers, allowing you to enjoy its evergreen beauty on a balcony, porch, or deck. Whether you need a low-growing shrub for ground cover or a feature plant in a rock garden, this pine offers endless possibilities for creative landscaping.

Why Choose Nationwide Plants?

At Nationwide Plants, we’re dedicated to delivering only the finest-quality plants to your doorstep. Our Pumilio Mugo Pine shrubs are carefully grown and selected to ensure they arrive healthy, well-rooted, and ready to thrive in your landscape. With fast shipping and a focus on customer satisfaction, we make it easy to add this beautiful, low-maintenance evergreen to your home.

Add Year-Round Beauty to Your Landscape with Pumilio Mugo Pine – Order Today!

Transform your garden with the durability, beauty, and low-maintenance appeal of the Pumilio Mugo Pine. Whether you’re filling in a rock garden, adding texture to your foundation plantings, or creating a lush ground cover, this evergreen shrub is the perfect choice. Order now from Nationwide Plants and enjoy fast, reliable delivery of this versatile plant right to your home!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Pumillio Mugho Pine Shrub

How big does a Pumilio Mugo Pine get?

Pumilio Mugo Pine is a slow-growing dwarf pine that stays low and compact for many years, typically around 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. Over many decades, the listed mature size is about 6 to 10 feet tall and wide. Pinching the spring candles helps keep it smaller.

What zones does Pumilio Mugo Pine grow in?

Pumilio Mugo Pine is listed for USDA zones 4 through 9 and is extremely cold hardy, handling freezing temperatures and heavy snow with ease. It performs best where summers are not excessively hot and humid, so in the warmest zones give it good air circulation and well-drained soil.

How far apart should I plant Pumilio Mugo Pines?

Space Pumilio Mugo Pines about 3 to 5 feet apart when planting several together. That spacing leaves room for their natural spreading form while allowing them to knit together into a low, dense evergreen mass for borders, slopes, or rock gardens.

How do you keep a mugo pine small?

To keep a Pumilio Mugo Pine compact, pinch back the new spring growth, called candles, by about half before the needles fully open. This encourages dense, bushy growth and slows its size. Otherwise, it needs little pruning beyond removing dead or damaged branches in late winter or early spring.

Is Pumilio Mugo Pine drought tolerant?

Yes, Pumilio Mugo Pine is highly drought tolerant once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens. During the first year, water deeply once a week and let the soil dry slightly between waterings. After that, it needs only occasional deep watering in long, dry spells.

What soil does Pumilio Mugo Pine need?

Pumilio Mugo Pine prefers well-draining sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, and it handles rocky, dry ground well. Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained sites, since standing water can cause root rot. Plant with the root ball slightly above the soil line.

Does Pumilio Mugo Pine need full sun?

Pumilio Mugo Pine grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. More sun keeps its growth dense and compact with rich green needles. Plant it in early spring or fall to avoid establishing it during extreme heat or cold.

Is Pumilio Mugo Pine good for rock gardens and slopes?

Yes, Pumilio Mugo Pine is a rock garden favorite thanks to its compact, spreading form and tolerance for dry, rocky soil. On slopes, its roots help stabilize soil and reduce erosion. It pairs well with creeping juniper, lavender, and ornamental grasses.

What pests and diseases affect mugo pines?

Pumilio Mugo Pine is relatively pest resistant, but watch for aphids, pine needle scale, and spider mites, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Needle cast, a fungal disease, can appear where air circulation is poor, so avoid crowding plants.

Does a Pumilio Mugo Pine need fertilizer?

Pumilio Mugo Pine usually does not need fertilizer. If your soil is poor, or growth seems slow or stressed, apply a light, balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause excessive growth and spoil its compact, dwarf shape.
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