Kokonoe Japanese white pine
BeginnerPinus parviflora 'Kokonoe'
A yatsubusa white pine cultivar ranked alongside Zuisho. Its spring candles barely extend, so the tree keeps its shape for years with little pinching or pruning. Short needles and fine buds make it ideal for shohin bonsai.
About
Kokonoe is a yatsubusa cultivar of Japanese white pine, listed in a bonsai glossary with Zuisho as the representative dwarf white pines. Yatsubusa plants have smaller, denser shoots and needles than the ordinary form and are propagated by grafting or cuttings from seedling variants, mutations or sports. Kokonoe's defining trait is that its spring candles hardly extend: bonsai care guides note that in Kokonoe, Myojo, Nasu-musume and similar yatsubusa pines the candles grow only a few millimetres, so pinching and pruning are rarely needed and the tree holds its form for years—ideal for shohin. Where Zuisho is known for vigorous growth, Kokonoe is valued for how little it extends, which is the easiest way to tell them apart. Budding itself is prolific, though: when 4–5 buds appear at one point, keep 2–3 weaker ones and remove the rest, or the foliage becomes congested. Little is documented about who raised it or where it came from. Plants are mostly grafted, sometimes onto black pine rootstock, so check the graft union when buying.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (yatsubusa cultivar of white pine; little documented about its origin)
Lifespan
Little data for the cultivar (white pine itself is long-lived)
Size
Grows very little; easy to keep as shohin or mini bonsai
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (solid feed spring to early autumn)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Outdoors in sun and good airflow; foliage is dense, so place it where light and air reach the interior
Watering
Keep slightly dry, watering when the surface dries; small pots can dry out in summer
Temperature & overwintering
Cold-hardy (species rated USDA zones 4–7). Keep cool and airy in summer
Soil & repotting
Free-draining akadama-based mix; repot young trees about every 3 years
Fertilizer
Solid fertilizer monthly April–September, except the rainy season and midsummer
Pruning & styling
Pinching is rarely needed; where 4–5 buds form, keep 2–3 weaker ones. Wire during dormancy
Pests & cautions
Congested foliage invites aphids and mites. Most plants are grafted—remove any shoots from the rootstock early
Kokonoe Japanese white pine FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Kokonoe Japanese white pine?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow should I water and fertilize Kokonoe Japanese white pine?
Kokonoe Japanese white pine: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (solid feed spring to early autumn). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Kokonoe Japanese white pine?
The price of Kokonoe Japanese white pine varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Primary sources
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. Not a registered variety under the Plant Variety Protection Act (no white pine 'Kokonoe' in the MAFF database, checked Sept 2026).
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search) / MAFF Plant Variety Registration Database
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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