ODD, RARE OR VARIEGATED VARIETIES
PINUS densiflora RAINBOW
This is commonly known as a Dragon Eye type of variegation on this variety of Japanese Red Pine . The long dark green needles have very bright and distinct golden-yellow radial banding . Rarely but occasionally a red band can occur also . The medium sized plant is a wide pyramid in outline and is very hardy .
PINUS sylvestris AUREA
A small to medium sized form of the very hardy and robust Scots Pine . The green needle foliage , in areas with cold winter temperatures , turns to an appealing warm golden-yellow for several months . The species is a very common Conifer in the northern hemisphere and appears in areas of high rainfall and also in dry climatic zones . Perhaps not a good choice for areas of high humidity .
PINUS sylvestris INVERLEITH
An upright and medium to tall pyramidal selection . Foliage needles are a blueish-green in colour . Where this plant shines is in its display of new spring growth that is a brilliant creamy-white . For the best outcome and untroubled performance it would be best sited in filtered light as the new growth can easily sunburn . Perhaps keeping it pruned to a bushy shape will keep its new growth at a more easy to admire height .
PINUS thunbergia OGON
A reasonably fast growing and eventually medium to large roughly pyramidal tree form that is quite appealing to all who see any mature well grown specimens . The long needle type foliage is a bright yellow-gold if the tree is planted in a full sun situation , if planted in a shaded site its foliage is a lemon colour . Occasional winter browning of some needles can occur but this is rectified once the weather warms up .
PINUS thunbergia TORAFU MATSU
This robust , hardy and handsome medium tree like form is commonly known as the Japanese Tiger Pine. The needle foliage is long , dark green and is liberally splashed , dotted and speckled on the outer half with golden-orange markings , these markings intensify in colour in colder weather . A choice garden selection .