The 'Westerstede' Swiss Stone Pine (Pinus cembra 'Westerstede') is an elite choice for the discerning gardener seeking a rare, high-value evergreen that combines robust resilience with luxurious softness. Known for its narrow, compact form and exceptionally long, soft needles, it provides a sophisticated, "designer" alternative to common spruces.
Key Features & Benefits
Luxuriously Soft Texture: This pine features five-needle bundles that are remarkably soft to the touch, providing a fluffy, almost velvety appearance. The needles are a rich blue-green, offering a refined, gentle texture that contrasts beautifully with harsher landscape elements.
Elegant, Narrow Form: 'Westerstede' naturally grows into a tight, dense pyramid that matures slowly into a striking, columnar tree. Its disciplined, upright habit makes it a perfect fit for modern landscapes and smaller yards where space is a premium.
Superior Cold Hardiness: A native of high mountain altitudes, the Swiss Stone Pine is a fortress against cold weather (Hardy to Zone 3). It withstands harsh winters, heavy snow loads, and extreme cold with ease, making it a reliable performer in challenging climates.
Low-Maintenance & Pest Resistant: This is a gardener's dream: it is highly resistant to common pine blights, pests, and deer. Its slow growth rate ensures it maintains its elegant shape with virtually no pruning required.
High-End Specimen Tree: The dense foliage and distinctive form give this pine an expensive, manicured look. It is an excellent investment piece for a property, serving as a standout specimen, a formal sentinel by an entryway, or a sophisticated privacy screen when planted in a row.