Japanese Black Pine Sculptured Jr. Specimen 1

About this plant

Pinus thunbergii 'Mikawa' is a prized dwarf cultivar of the Japanese Black Pine, renowned for its dense, deep green needles and distinct, often irregular, upright habit. This 'Sculptured Jr. Specimen' offers the classic rugged elegance of its larger relatives in a more manageable size, making it ideal for smaller gardens, courtyards, or as a striking focal point. Each 'Mikawa' is a unique living artwork, boasting thick, dark green needles that grow in bundles of two, creating a rich texture. Its branches develop an interesting, often gnarled character over time, adding to its captivating, artistic appeal. This selection has been carefully cultivated and trained to highlight its natural beauty and distinctive form. Perfect for container planting, rock gardens, or as a sophisticated accent in mixed borders, 'Mikawa' provides year-round interest and a touch of refined Asian aesthetics. Its resilience and strong architectural presence make it a cherished addition to any discerning gardener's collection.

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-draining soil and a sunny location. Water regularly during establishment; once established, it is drought-tolerant. Prune lightly to maintain desired form, primarily for candle thinning in spring to encourage denser growth. Fertilize with a balanced evergreen fertilizer in early spring.

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.