I'd just buy an 'Umbraculifera', there may not really be a different cultivar 'U. Compacta' - the name being based on cultivariants that don't necessarily remain smaller- or denser-growing.

its the look I like of the umbrella like canopy. Please fogive my ignorance but what does a Umbraculifera look like, is it the sam and the Pinus densiflora?

Here are some examples:

tj

Here is a link that might be useful: Take a peek

It is lovely...looks similar too. Can it be potted? I have all my jap maples in pots and a palm in a large pot too.. I know that this particular conifer you can put in a pot and it will only grow as big as you allow it.

Any and all will be dwarfed somewhat by pot culture. However, unless you prune the roots and re-pot annually, as is done with bonsai the specimen will deteriorate if not moved on to a larger container periodically.

Okay got it! I think I will have to wait until the spring to get one.

ooops sorry, I was on my friends log in!!!!

Hi Staceybeth.Here's a picture of a 'normal' P.densiflora 'Umbraculifera'.It used to be in a pot;I planted it two years ago.It is now 3' tall and grows about 4" a year.T.

Pinus densiflora 'Umbraculifera'

I LOVE IT! What a lovely specimen. I thought it got taller and then you prune it so that all the foliage is at the top, like an umbrella, no?

Well,it will get taller,but not that fast.Japanese gardeners often remove part of the lower needles on P. densiflora and thunbergii.On this particular variety you will then end up with a canopy; I suppose that's what you're looking for.For an even broader and more compact plant you should candleprune the new shoots in may.That will reduce the distance between the branches. T

Ps.This variety is usually easy to come by and not too expensive.Check out specialist nurseries.

Okay. Thanks so much for the great information. I will print this out so I am well informed come spring. Is there any site that shows how to "candleprune?"

Pinch out the larger, center candle in each cluster before the leaves unfold each spring. Leave the smaller, shorter candles making up the rest of each cluster.

Hi. There is an interesting book by Jake Hobson:Niwaki-Pruning Trees and shrubs the Japanese Way.Check it out on Amazon. T.