Name: Sciadopitys verticillata
Zones: 5 to 9
Size: 25 to 40 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; acidic, fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
A good plant will offer 2 seasons of interest or purpose; a plant with three seasons is even better. Add in a forth season, and it’s a winner through and through.
Japanese umbrella pine always looks interesting. Lush, exotic, deep green needles in whorls give rise to its common name. With neither disease nor pest problems to deal with, this tree also meets your low-maintenance requirements. It’s a very slow-growing however, so invest in a sizable plant to keep your patience from getting the best of you.
By: Helen Yoest

The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at Tarheel Gardening - your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.
