Pine, (Limber) Extra Blue Pinus flexilis 'Extra Blue' Height: 25 feet Spread: 15 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 3b Description: This handsome irregular pyrimidal pine is much bluer than the species; notable winter hardiness, also a good choice for urban conditions; rapid growing, its striking blue hue will stand out in any setting Ornamental Features Pine, (Limber) Extra Blue is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has attractive steel blue evergreen foliage. The needles are highly ornamental and remain steel blue throughout the winter. The shaggy gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape. Landscape Attributes Pine, (Limber) Extra Blue is a dense evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition. This is a relatively low maintenance tree. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics. Pine, (Limber) Extra Blue is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Pine, (Limber) Extra Blue will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 100 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for future generations! This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average conditions that are neither too wet nor too dry, and is very intolerant of standing water. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species. Special Attributes Young limber pine cones are oblong, green, & smooth, they are usually found in multiples of three or four at the ends of branches. Cones are between 2 1/2 to 6 inches long. As they mature they turn brown and develop a whitish resin as the scales begin to open then release the seeds or pine nuts then falling to the ground intact after opening. In some areas of the world pine are considered drought tolerant, that depends on when does it rain. If it doesn't rain during the growing season more than 4 inches on a monthly basis it will need to be watered. In the Pacific Northwest Desert evergreens need to be watered during the winter as well as the growing season. Our desert climate especially in late winter to early spring evergreens can suffer during next growing season. An easy way to remember check for dryness is on the holidays Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Valentines Day & Easter
