The Mugo pine, Pinus mugo pumilio or Dwarf mugo pine is an excellent bonsai subject. This tree occurs throughout the Midwest, West and ranging to Canada and Alaska.

In nature it is a medium-sized tree that can reach a height of 2-3 feet tall and spread over 5-6 feet. It is a favourite of bonsai hobbyists because of its rapidly thickening and naturally twisted trunk and branches. The bark is thin, ash-grey-brown to blackish-grey, splitting in angular scaly plates on old stems. The branching is very compact, making it easy to maintain. Pinus mugo pumilio is small and has branches that are more erect than Pinus mugo mughus. Short-needled tree with open, broad, irregular crown of long spreading branches. This evergreen little dwarf conifer has branching, upright stems evenly covered in 1 1/2 - 3" long needles, 2 in bundle; slightly flattened and twisted; of a deep, dark true green.

Hardiness zones 2-7, (-43°C/-45°F,-15°C/5°F) in Winter.

This Mugo pine is very hardy and can endure extremely cold conditions. Full sun to partial shade. The tree can tolerate poor, rocky, dry, windy conditions. Mugo pine trees do not need special soil. In nature, it often grows in slightly rocky areas with shallow topsoil. It does require good drainage. These trees are easily transplanted.

Germination

First, scarify the seeds. For faster germination, soak the seeds in slightly hot water for 24-48 hours, followed by 6 weeks cold stratification before sowing at 1/4" deep in sterile gardening soil. Keep pot in warm situation, 68-75 °F. Germination usually occurs in one to two months. It can be more depending on their degree of unbroken dormancy, don't lose faith.

Scarification / Stratification

Seed coats may be so hard that they are impermeable to water. They need to be scratched or broken using a knife or sandpaper, in order to germinate. Chip the seeds with a sharp knife or make a few swipes with a sharp edged file or use sandpaper to allow moisture being more readily absorbed.

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Woodsy Blooms and its owners cannot be held accountable for seeds that do not sprout as there are many factors that can affect this including improper sprouting conditions.