Japanese White Pine 'Cleary'

About this plant

Pinus parviflora 'Cleary' is a magnificent, artfully irregular cultivar of the Japanese White Pine, celebrated for its unique, contorted growth habit and ethereal blue-green needles. This specimen offers a sophisticated, sculptural element to the garden, maturing into a broad, conical form. Its relatively slow growth rate makes 'Cleary' an excellent choice for smaller gardens, rockeries, or as an elegant accent in a larger landscape. The individual needles are short, soft, and held in bundles of five, contributing to its dense, textural appearance. As it matures, 'Cleary' develops attractive, often exfoliating bark and subtle cones, adding year-round interest. This adaptable pine is a true gem for the discerning plant collector seeking a distinctive, low-maintenance evergreen.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Requires well-drained soil. Protect from extreme winter winds when young. Minimal pruning needed, primarily to maintain desired shape or remove dead branches. Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer if growth is slow.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.