Blue Swiss Stone Pine

Blue Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra 'Compacta Glauca') is a compact, upright selection with short, thick branches and soft blue-green needles showing pale undersides. The American Conifer Society records it as a seedling selected around 1930 by C. Frets & Son in the Netherlands, while the USDA RMA plant list treats the reversed name 'Glauca Compacta' as an alternate entry for 'Compacta Glauca'. [American Conifer Society](https://conifersociety.org/conifers/pinus-cembra-compacta-glauca) [USDA RMA plant list](https://legacy.rma.usda.gov/tools/eplpps/2011/cobk2011.pdf). ## Placement and form Use it as a compact conifer specimen where its dense upright outline and cool-toned foliage can be seen. The selection is smaller than the Swiss stone pine species, though mature size varies among plantings; allow room for a broadening crown and avoid crowding it against paths or structures. The American Conifer Society describes about 7.5 feet tall and 4.5 feet wide after ten years, a useful establishment-stage reference rather than a guaranteed final size. ## Soil and water Choose a sunny, well-drained site and water new plantings during establishment. Avoid persistently waterlogged soil. The species is a cold-climate pine, and local winter exposure and summer heat should guide siting. ## Maintenance Allow the natural compact shape to develop without shearing. Remove dead or damaged branches as needed and maintain an open, well-drained planting site.