Pinus densiflora 'Rainbow' / Rainbow Japanese red pine

Pinus densiflora 'Rainbow' is a dwarf, upright, bushy selection of Japanese Red pine with stunning foliage that is banded with cream and gold if favorable climatic conditions are met. In order for the plant to show best variegation temperatures must be hot during the day and cool at night while the needles extend from their fascicles. In extremely cold climates, the needles are said to also assume a reddish cast in the variegation in winter.

After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 40 to 60 inches (1 - 15 m) tall and wide, an annual growth rate of 4 to 6 inches (10 - 15 cm).

This cultivar originated as a seedling of Pinus densiflora 'Oculus Draconis' selected in the 1990s by John Emery, Berry, New South Wales, Australia.

Pinus densiflora 'Rainbow' — a closeup of foliage detail.
Photo by A&M Kałuzińscy Szkółka Polskie Korzenie
Pinus densiflora 'Rainbow' — a nice dense mature specimen.
Photo by A&M Kałuzińscy Szkółka Polskie Korzenie

Comments

John Emery

Found as a seedling of P.d.Occula Draconis by John Emery , Berry Australia

Maxwell Cohn

John, thanks so much for completing the record. None of the other conifer references know that you selected 'Rainbow.'

Maxwell Cohn

by the way, John. If you have the ability, can you get us a picture of either the original seedling, or an early propagation. Either would go a long way to completing the record.