Pinus tabulaeformis Seeds | Chinese Red Pine
LATIN NAME: Pinus tabulaeformis
COMMON NAME: Chinese Red Pine
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Chinese Red Pine (Pinus tabulaeformis) is a tall, evergreen conifer, native to China has nice green needles. The Chinese red pine candles tall, evergreen conifer with paired, dark-green needles and orange-red bark that flakes in plates, new shoots candeling upward through spring, small, egg-shaped cones following, cones holding small, winged seeds. It likes sun, and well-drained soil. The blooms are worked steadily by bees for as long as they are open. Plants that offer this much while asking this little are rare enough to treasure.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the Pinus group, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Flaking, orange-red bark of the Chinese red pine gives it a recognised place in research on the east-Asian timber pines of great pine group, and tabulaeformis species appears in studies of dry-slope forest growth and resin chemistry. Modern propagation practice has made this species straightforward to raise by ordinary good methods.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Chinese Red Pine for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Timber serves building, furniture and resin trade for generations, tree makes fine windbreak and shelter, and cones feed the birds. It grows well in well-drained, sunny ground. Keep seeds in damp, cold bag for a month, then sow them into sandy drills of tray, keep tray in bright, open spot and water lightly. Getting it going is easy; keeping it going is easier still.
Pines are a materia medica of their own: vitamin-C-rich needle teas saved explorers from scurvy, pine pollen is a tonic food in China, bark proanthocyanidins are studied for circulation, and resin gave turpentine, rosin and naval stores to history.
Growing from Seed
Chinese Red Pine grows readily from seed. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Its wild home in china has nice green needles explains both its toughness and its preferences in the garden. Minor errors in timing or watering rarely cost the grower the crop.
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