Variegated Japanese Red Pine

Golden Ghost is a Japanese red pine selection whose long, light-green needles carry one or two yellow bands, creating a distinctive variegated effect. Its orange-red stems add color and contrast against the needles. ## Features Iseli Nursery lists this cultivar as a broad-upright evergreen with a garden size near 20 feet tall by 15 feet wide. The nursery reports growth of 12–15 inches per year, full sun, green-and-yellow needles, and hardiness to USDA Zone 5. [Iseli Nursery](https://iselinursery.com/colorful-conifers/pinus-pine/pinus-densiflora-golden-ghost/) ## Growing Conditions Choose a sunny position with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The foliage pattern is most visible where light reaches the branches, and the broad crown needs room to develop. Use the cultivar-specific dimensions when spacing it rather than relying on the smaller size of a young plant. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and during prolonged dry weather, allowing excess water to drain freely. Keep the natural upright form; remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches when necessary.