Pinus sylvestris 'Bennett Compact'

A miniature selection that becomes a dense, irregular little mound; grows about 2 cm per year with an occasional shoot of up to 5 cm; foliage is blue-green with relatively long, stiff, thick, sharp needles; discovered in the 1960's by William Bennett, Virginia, U.S.A. who was adept at discovering unusual plants growing along the highway as he traveled. Occasionally a plant will send up strong growing shoots, most commonly in colder climates. z2

Most years the needle length is greater than the length of the new shoots, making this an interesting plant to graft. It is a great selection for a rockery of the smaller landscape. In 20 years it may be 1 meter tall by almost the same in width.

This picture shows a 'Bennett Compact' to the left and a Pinus peuce 'Arnold Dwarf' to the right. They are each about 15 years old.