Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Pinus monticola 'Halloween Broom'
Halloween Broom Western White Pine
- Family
- Pinaceae
- Height
- 2 to 3 ft
- Width
- 3 to 4 ft
- Flower color
- Non-showy reproductive cones
- Foliage color
- Blue-green to chartreuse evergreen needles
- Bloom time
- Spring - formation of pollen and seed cones
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Regular
- Maintenance
- Low; slow-growing, compact “broom” form that rarely needs pruning
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 2 to 9
- Wildlife
- Provides year-round evergreen shelter for birds; may attract seed-foraging wildlife when cones mature
About this plant
Pinus monticola 'Halloween Broom' is a dwarf western white pine forming a dense, rounded mound of needles. Slow growth creates tight branching, while blue-green foliage is brushed with lighter, silvery tones. As an evergreen conifer, it provides steady color and form in rock gardens, mixed borders, or containers.
Western white pine is native to the mountains of western North America, from British Columbia through the Pacific Northwest into the northern Rockies. 'Halloween Broom' began as a rare witch's broom discovered by Sam Pratt in Port Orchard, Washington, on Halloween and later propagated. Pollen-bearing cones emerge from late spring into early summer, marking its blooming season and maturing into small seed cones nestled among the foliage.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Rock Gardens · Containers · Bird Gardens
Companion plants
Peony · Indian hawthorn · Rock Cress · Feather reed grass · Dianthus · Glossy abelia
Design tip
Echo ‘Halloween Broom’s’ rounded silhouette elsewhere in the planting to create visual rhythm while allowing its silvery blue-green foliage to supply contrasting color and texture. The tightly branched evergreen form gives the composition a strong structural element in every season.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Vista Gardens.
