Pinus uncinata 'Paradekissen' / Paradekissen mountain pine

Pinus uncinata 'Paradekissen' is a miniature, flat-topped. cushion-shaped selection of Swiss mountain pine with dense, stiff, stubby branches; and short, dark-green needles and prominent, brown, pointy foliar buds. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure only about 8 inches (20 cm) tall and 12 inches (30 cm), an annual growth rate of 1 inch (2.5 cm) or less.

This cultivar originated in the wild, a natural miniature tree, estimated to be over 400 years old at the time of discovery, collected on Ofen Pass, in Graubünden Canton, Switzerland. It was later named and introduced by Günther Horstmann Nurseries, Schneverdingen, Germany. It is an excellent choice for alpine rock gardens and trough culture, as it will never outgrow its assigned space. Paradekissen translates into "Parade Cushion" in the German language.

Attribution from: Robert L. Fincham; Small Conifers for Small Gardens; ©2011, Coenosium Press