Pinus Strobus Mini Twists - do I remove the candles

8 years ago

I planted my Mini Twists last fall and it is really doing great! Thanks to everybody here for helping me with it! I'm wondering if I need to remove the candles or part of them or just leave them alone. It's about 2.5 ft wide now if that makes a difference.

Also should I fertilize it with holly tone? It's growing in some really nice compost so maybe it's not needed.

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maackia

8 years ago

Me loves the twisted strobus foliage. Is there another conifer that can match the interestingly twisted varieties produced by our native white pine?

That is a healthy and happy plant you've got there. I'd be a bit concerned about the ultimate size of this one. There may be information out there to refute this, but I'm not sure there is such a thing as a miniature P. strobus. This is squarely in the for-what-it's-worth category, but I'd be inclined to move it where it could grow to its full potential. My garden would be a wonderful choice if yours won't tolerate it. :)

Some will no doubt disagree with this, but I think we should plant as if we intend for it to stay there until the nature of things takes it, and not because it doesn't fit my garden needs. It may be classified as a dwarf, but that doesn't mean it can't achieve some size to it. I certainly don't judge those who believe and garden under a different philosophy, but I do believe this approach ultimately has greater rewards. I've slowly come to this way of thinking, and you'll find groups of plantings where this philosophy was not present when planting was done. I guess that's one of the great things about gardening.

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Comments (10)

Kitchenlady (Tennessee, Zone 7a)
Original Author
8 years ago
Does that second photo look stretched? It might just be my phone.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
8 years ago
imho ... it will NEVER need fert or food... its a tree.. not a child ... unless a soil test indicates some soil amendment is needed ...

i dont know how to candle prune.. but if you remove them completely.. the plant will die ...so yes.. its a shortening thing ...

is there a walkway there???... you really jammed this thing in a small space ... did you have no other alternative???

ken
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Kitchenlady (Tennessee, Zone 7a)
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Thanks Ken. The photo is deceptive about the space. It actually has plenty of room even at full size. The spot was carefully selected.

I thought that I'd read about not needing fertilizer as long as you have good soil. Wasn't sure though. I have a half used bag of holly tone and I'm looking for something to use it on. ;)

I read something about removing the candles (some) allowing it to become more dense.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
Candling a pine won't cause it to die - all it does is limit growth for that season. And while it doesn't hurt to remove them all, I wouldn't necessarily be very intent to do a completely thorough job at it nor would I do it consistently every year.

Routine (and quite thorough) candling is how one maintains pines that are trained in the Japanese cloud pruned style or Niwaki.
Kitchenlady (Tennessee, Zone 7a) thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
missionmom
8 years ago
Maackia, that reminds me of a quote I saw somewhere... Live like you'll die tomorrow, and garden like you'll live forever.

Just started reading a book on the subject of Niwaki. Apparently, by Candelling a pine, you will force a second smaller flush of candels mid summer. I haven't actually done it yet though, so I can't say for myself :)
Mike McGarvey
8 years ago
What? It's not dense enough?

That plant will clearly outgrow the place where it's at, no matter how often you candle it.

My garden is over 35 years old and I've been surprised time and again how quick and large some dwarf conifers can get.
Kitchenlady (Tennessee, Zone 7a)
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for all the replies!

Missionmom I love that quote!

I love it right where it is but will consider moving it if I can find a better spot. This is one of my favorites in the garden!

How big do you guys think these get? It has a lot more room than that photo shows, but maybe not enough?
Kitchenlady (Tennessee, Zone 7a)
Original Author
8 years ago
When I asked about candling I wasn't wanting to restrict growth. I was just curious if it helped plant health in anyway or if it was unnecessary. :)
tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱
8 years ago
Unnecessary, perhaps even damaging since it was just planted last year. I'd just leave it be.

tj
Kitchenlady (Tennessee, Zone 7a) thanked tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱