Lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana) (USDA hardiness zones 4-8) is arboreal mid-sized gem is a lovely 3-needle pine. It is a slow-growing pine with an absolutely exquisite exfoliating patchwork bark which becomes more attractive as the tree ages. Some of the best specimens that I have witnessed are planted on the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx, NY.

Lacebark pine grows into a 30-50 feet tall pine with narrow upright branching. Gardeners and landscapers may start out planting an affordable 2 – 3 feet multi-branched shrub. The slow growth rate, initially 4-5 inches annually, almost doubles after 4-5 years on-site. The lovely cinnamon-colored candles tip the branches in May, similar to candles decorating a cake. When fully expanded, 3 needle clusters -long bristly needles measure 2-3 inches long and are sharp to the touch.

Lacebark requires no special care other than fertilizing in the early spring and mulching until it is established after 2 years. Plant lacebark in full sun and above-average garden soil that is well-drained. An older tree exhibits moderate drought tolerance.

Bark mottling begins after 8-10 years, but the real show is many more years away down the road. A young patient gardener may opt to prune off a few side branches for a peek of the exfoliating bark pattern within. Young tree bark tends to color olive green and gradually bleaches out to milky white many years hence.

Most potentially serious disease and insect pests may be avoided through wise siting and care. This is a specimen that must be sited. Select a visible landscape location which is frequently visited, such as near a patio, carport, driveway or a window which looks out at lacebark.

Two highly rated cultivars are ‘Rowe Arboretum’ and ‘Compacta’, both known to mature more compact size-wise. A third multi- trunked form is ‘Silver Ghost’; these multi-trunked forms exhibit exfoliating bark green bark color with irregular whitish or brownish patches. The bark is dotted much more white patching than the species.

Lacebark pine and cultivars can be purchased from specialty mail-order nurseries via the internet. Mature height and width of cultivars are 20 feet by 15 feet. Lacebark is a long-term investment, an evergreen that you and future generations will cherish for its exquisite patchwork bark.