Trees

Pinus parviflora 'Aoi'

Aoi Japanese white pine

Aoi Japanese white pine. Photo: F. D. Richards / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

Aoi has straight needles that reveal green and silvery-blue surfaces, giving its upright crown a layered, luminous appearance. Sturdy branches carry silver-gray bark and small cones. Its slender, naturally sculptural outline makes an effective focal point in a sunny garden, especially where the branching structure can be viewed against a simple background.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun
Size: Height: 15 ft, supplier garden size, not ultimate size · Width: 8 ft, supplier garden size
Water: Moderate moisture; parent species prefers moist, well-drained soil and tolerates some drought once established.
Hardiness: USDA zone 5 minimum

Sizes & prices

#3Aoi Japanese White Pine$190.00

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Form: Narrow upright
Growth rate: 6–12 inches/year (grower estimate)
Use: Architectural specimen; Asian-style garden

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Species is listed as deer resistant, not deer-proof.
Drought: Moderate drought tolerance after establishment; species-level guidance.
Wet soil: Requires good drainage.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Caterpillar host: Moths
Evidence: Species-level guidance; cultivar habitat value varies.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Evergreen; green and silver-blue

Growing & care

Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; species tolerates alkaline and clay soils when drainage is adequate.
Pruning: Little routine pruning is needed. For a denser outline, shorten soft new candles before they harden in early summer; do not cut back into bare, needleless wood.
Issues: Protect from damaging winds; hot, humid southern climates are challenging.

Sources & photo credits

Iseli Nursery

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

www.udel.edu

The Morton Arboretum

Photo: F. D. Richards / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized for web. · CC BY-SA 2.0

Image notes: Aoi Japanese white pine. Photo: F. D. Richards / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized for web.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.