Single plant selection originating from a population of Pinus mugo (Mugo pine) seedlings from an unknown seed source and designated as TS9178 with the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program. Hyland Splendor™ is an upright pyramidal small tree form. After 28 years, it has reached a mature height of approximately 15 feet with an 8 ft canopy spread. The selection has darker green foliage and maintains this high quality dark green needle color during the winter months as compared to the other sibling trees from the original seedling population. The species and prominent cultivar, 'Tannaenbaum', often develop an undesirable yellowish-green needle winter needle color. Hyland Splendor™ is unique in that it doesn't develop this typical winter needle color and stays a superior dark green. Nursery trials have shown that Hyland Splendor™ grows 20% faster in a controlled commercial nursery production setting as compared to 'Tannaebaum'. This increased growth rate is highly desirable and allows for increased profitability with growing this selection. Hyland Splendor™ has been fully hardy in USDA plant hardiness zone 3a. Propagation is by side grafting onto upright Pinus mugo seedlings or other compatible pine species. Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 3 -7 Mature Size: Height: 15 - 18' Spread: 8 - 10' Form (Shape): Upright, pyramidal habit. Growth Rate: Slow to medium. Nursery trials have shown that Hyland Splendor® grows 20% faster in a controlled commercial nursery production setting as compared to 'Tannenbaum'. Foliage: Evergreen, dark bluish-green needles year-round persisting for five or more years. 1 - 2" long in pairs. Texture: Medium Flower: Monoecious, non-ornamental Fruit: 1 - 2" ovoid cone, grayish-black at maturity Light Preferences: Full sun to partial shade Soil Preferences: Well-drained soils, pH adaptable, and tolerant of higher pH soils. Propagation: Side grafting onto upright Pinus mugo seedlings or other compatible pine species. Ornamental Attributes: The species and the prominent cultivar 'Tannenbaum', often develop an undesirable yellowish-green winter needle color. Hyland Splendor® is unique in that it doesn't develop this typical winter needle color and stays a superior dark green.
Landscape Attributes: Faster growth than other Mugo pines. Comments: This increased growth rate may potentially increase profitability with growing this selection. Patent Status: