Trees

Pinus parviflora 'Koru'

Koru Japanese white pine

Koru Japanese white pine is the upright blue-green pine in the foreground, not the large rounded conifer behind it. Photo © Iseli Nursery, used under its customer plant-resale promotional grant; Reference garden photo, not current nursery stock.

Curved blue-green needles give Koru a silvery cast, while prominent cones add texture at the branch tips. Its irregular branching sits within an overall conical outline, balancing a recognizable tree shape with individual character. This is an architectural evergreen accent for a sunny position where its branch arrangement can be appreciated from several angles.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun
Size: Height: 10 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

#3Call for price

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

Ask about this plant

Select a section to expand.

Landscape use & tree form

Form: Broad upright, conical with irregular branching
Growth rate: 6–8 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; curved blue-green needles

Growing & care

Site: Shelter from damaging winds.
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.
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; species tolerates alkaline and clay soils when drainage is adequate.
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: Photo © Iseli Nursery; customer promotional use; resized for web. · Iseli customer plant-resale promotional photo grant

Image notes: Koru Japanese white pine is the upright blue-green pine in the foreground, not the large rounded conifer behind it. Photo © Iseli Nursery, used under its customer plant-resale promotional grant; resized for web. Reference garden photo, not current nursery stock.

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