Pinus wallichiana ‘Zebrina’ at Richmond Botanical Gardens in VA

Pinus densiflora ‘Oculis Draconis’ at Richmnod Botanical Gardens

In U.S. nursery catalogs, at least four gold striped needle pines are designated “Dragon’s Eye Pine”. They are Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora ‘Oculus Draconis’), Japanese black pine (P. thunbergi ‘Oculus Draconis’), Variegated Korean pine (P. koraiensis ‘Oculus Draconis’) and Variegated Himalayan pine (P. wallichiana ‘Zebrina’) (USDA hardiness zones 4 to 7). Three of four, designated ‘Oculis Draconis’, are ones that fit into most small to medium sized gardens.

All four Dragon’s eye pines grow tree form, 25 to 35 feet high and 15 to 20 feet wide. All starts off slowly, growing only 6-8 inches per year. Within 3-4 years growth rate doubles to 12 to 16 inches annually.  Variegated Himalayan pine grows tallest, 40 to 45 foot tree tall with longer internode lengths between branches. All grow in a well-drained, slightly acidic soil in full sun to partial shade.

The striped needle variegation is present year-round and becomes more intense as summer rolls to fall. The variegation persists through the winter season and actually gets better as the specimen ages. The Japanese red bark form exhibits scaly fissured bark is lovely, ranging in color from gray to rich rusty orange. This is a graceful tree when mature, with an irregular branching habit and tilted trunk. It stands out planted among deep-green conifers or in front of a dark green background. Utilize primarily as a specimen tree in a prominent landscape area such as near a patio or deck.

An unusual and elegant ornament for the winter landscape, the dragon’s eye pine has 3-5 inch long green needles stiff needles with prominent yellow and green bands. Branching open up in later years, and tree become irregular in form. Its bright colored needles become a 4-season asset in the landscape. As red pine ages it develops a nice reddish-orange exfoliating bark on the trunk and main branches.

Dragon-eyed pines are available from on-line specialty nurseries.

Information credit: Michael Balogh, Mountain Meadows Nursery near Asheville, NC assisted in the preparation of this write-up.