A compact, upright black pine with dense needles and a sculptural silhouette that feels like living architecture
FEATURES:
- Compact, upright habit with a narrow, architectural profile
- Dark green needles for bold, classic Japanese black pine texture
- Dense branching that creates a full, tidy silhouette
- Naturally sculptural form that develops character as it matures
- Shorter needle look that reads tighter and more refined than many black pines
- Strong winter interest with evergreen needles and dramatic structure
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because the size of the tree - does not fit in a box.
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
Sculptural pines look best when the “scene” is edited. A clean ground plane and a few low supporting plants will make this feel like a curated focal point, not just another evergreen in the mix.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Mature Height: 10-15' tall
- Mature Width: 4-6' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Spacing: 4-6' apart
Kotobuki Japanese Black Pine
Bower & Branch Trees and Plants
Pinus thunbergii 'Kotobuki'
Regular price
Plant with Confidence when choosing Big & Tall Trees and Hedges!
A compact, upright black pine with dense needles and a sculptural silhouette that feels like living architecture
FEATURES:
- Compact, upright habit with a narrow, architectural profile
- Dark green needles for bold, classic Japanese black pine texture
- Dense branching that creates a full, tidy silhouette
- Naturally sculptural form that develops character as it matures
- Shorter needle look that reads tighter and more refined than many black pines
- Strong winter interest with evergreen needles and dramatic structure
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because the size of the tree - does not fit in a box.
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
Sculptural pines look best when the “scene” is edited. A clean ground plane and a few low supporting plants will make this feel like a curated focal point, not just another evergreen in the mix.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Mature Height: 10-15' tall
- Mature Width: 4-6' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Spacing: 4-6' apart
Why plant Kotobuki Japanese Black Pine?
Kotobuki Japanese Black Pine is the kind of evergreen that looks intentional from day one. It grows upright and compact, with dense branching and dark green needles that give it a bold, textured presence. While many pines can feel loose or unruly, Kotobuki reads crisp and sculptural, like a piece of living architecture that holds its shape through every season.
As it matures, the branching develops more character and depth, making it especially striking in winter when structure is the star. It’s a conifer for people who want form, texture, and evergreen presence without a sprawling footprint.
How to use Kotobuki Japanese Black Pine in the landscape?
Use it as a specimen where the upright shape and branching can be appreciated, especially near patios, entry plantings, or in a conifer collection where contrasting silhouettes matter. It pairs beautifully with stone, gravel, and low mounded evergreens because those quieter elements let the structure stand out. Keep surrounding plantings simple and lower in height so the trunk lines and branching remain visible, and give it enough space so the compact outline stays clean instead of crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions
This pine does not have showy blooms. It produces small spring pollen cones and may form woody seed cones over time, but it’s grown for evergreen needles and sculptural branching.
Yes. Kotobuki is valued for its naturally compact, upright habit and dense branching, which creates an architectural silhouette that looks curated even with minimal shaping.
Pruning is minimal for basic care. Remove dead or damaged branches as needed. If you want to refine density and shape, many gardeners manage new growth (“candles”) in late spring, but heavy pruning into old wood is not recommended.
