Dwarf Mugo Pine Shrub

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1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 10 or 15 gallon

Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

The Dwarf Mugo Pine Shrub is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, rounded form and rich green needles that provide year-round structure. This low-growing pine stays naturally tidy and is ideal for foundation plantings, rock gardens, slopes, and small landscapes. Extremely cold hardy and easy to maintain, the Dwarf Mugo Pine offers long-lasting texture and evergreen appeal without frequent pruning.

  • Botanical name: Pumilio Mugho Pine
  • Evergreen
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sun

WATER:
Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Approximately every 1-2 weeks. Watering frequency may vary based on climate and establishment phase.

LEVEL OF CARE: EASY
Very low maintenance and beginner friendly

PET-FRIENDLY?:
Generally safe around pets

Note: The Dwarf Mugo Pine grows slowly and naturally maintains a compact shape. Occasional light pruning of new spring growth can help control size, but heavy pruning is not recommended.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The Dwarf Mugo Pine Shrub, also known as Pumilio Mugho Pine, is a compact evergreen valued for its dense, rounded form and rich green needles. This slow-growing pine stays naturally low and full, making it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, slopes, rock gardens, and small spaces. Hardy, drought tolerant, and extremely low maintenance, the Dwarf Mugo Pine provides year-round structure and texture without overwhelming the landscape.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Slow growth rate, typically adding about 3 to 6 inches in height each year. Reaches 3-5 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide in 10 years.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water deeply once per week during the first growing season. After establishment, water every 2–3 weeks depending on heat and rainfall. This pine is drought tolerant once mature and prefers soil to dry slightly between deep waterings. Plant Dwarf Mugo Pine in full sun for the densest growth and best needle color. Too much shade can cause thinning and uneven shape.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Dwarf Mugo Pine requires very little pruning. In late spring, pinch back new growth (candles) to control size and encourage a dense, compact shape. Remove any dead or damaged branches as needed.

FERTILIZING:
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth. Established plants typically need minimal feeding.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Dwarf Mugo Pine is cold-hardy in its growing zones and generally needs no special winter protection. In areas with heavy snow, gently brush snow off branches to prevent breakage, and mulch around the base to protect roots.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper than the soil line. Place the shrub so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil, loosen any circling roots, and backfill with native soil. Water thoroughly after planting and apply mulch around the base, keeping mulch a few inches away from the stems. Continue weekly watering during the first growing season to encourage strong root development.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 2-7

The Dwarf Mugo Pine thrives in cold and temperate climates and is highly tolerant of harsh winters, snow, and wind. It performs best in areas with cool to moderate summers and well-draining soil. This pine adapts well to rocky, sandy, or poor soils and is often used in northern landscapes where durability is essential. In warmer regions near its upper zone limit, good airflow and drainage help prevent stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Dwarf Mugo Pine typically matures to 3–5 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide. With its slow growth rate, it generally takes 10–15 years to reach full mature size. In the first 3–5 years, most plants reach about 1.5–3 feet tall, providing noticeable structure and fullness well before maturity.

This shrub grows slowly, averaging about 3–6 inches of growth per year once established.

Plant in full sun with well-draining soil. It performs best in open areas with good airflow and is ideal for foundations, slopes, and rock gardens.

Space plants 4–6 feet apart for individual shrubs. For mass plantings or slopes, spacing can be adjusted slightly closer depending on desired fullness.

Dwarf Mugo Pine grows best in well-draining soil and tolerates sandy, rocky, or poor soils very well. It can adapt to clay soil if drainage is improved, but it does not tolerate soggy or consistently wet ground. Proper drainage is more important than soil fertility for long-term health.

Once established, it is drought tolerant and well suited for low-water landscapes. Occasional deep watering during extended dry periods helps maintain health.

Very little pruning is required. If needed, trim back new spring growth (“candles”) to control size and maintain shape. Avoid cutting into old wood.

It is considered moderately deer resistant. Deer may browse occasionally, especially in winter, but damage is typically minimal.

Yes — its compact size, slow growth, and low maintenance make it an excellent evergreen for small landscapes and tight spaces.

No — the Dwarf Mugo Pine grows slowly and naturally maintains a compact, rounded shape. It rarely outgrows its space and does not require regular pruning, making it a great low-maintenance option for foundations and small landscapes.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

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At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

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