Although there’s not too much blooming this time of year, experts at “Marshall Landscapes” find a handful of plants to brighten up any winter day. Chief Joseph Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta ‘Chief Joseph’) adds a bit of sunny yellow to your garden .
In winter, its evergreen needles are a bright, golden color. By springtime, new needles are dark green and then mature to chartreuse in late summer. It’s stunning color and graceful appearance year around make it a great option for a focal plant.
Once established, the Chief Joseph Lodgepole Pine is quite water wise. It should be planted in full sun (for the best coloring) and well-drained soils. It will get to be about 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide in about 10 years and up to 20 feet tall and 6 feet wide over 10 years, so it is slow growing.