Question
QUESTION: I'm interested in growing the Zuisho Pine in Ventura County, California, and was wondering if this type of pine would thrive in my area.
Thanks.
Mike

ANSWER: Hi Mike,
Thanx for your question.  I'm not really a tree expert but here's some information for you that I think will be helpful.  The Zuisho pine is a revered form of pine for bonsai.

(from evergreengardenworks.com)... Japanese white pine is difficult to grow in most regions of this country, even when grafted to a stronger rootstock. It prefers a deep cold winter dormancy, mild dry summers without extreme heat or high humidity. It is susceptible to a number of fungal diseases. Those in the deep south and the hottest areas of the country should probably not attempt to grow this pine unless you have a lot of experience, or know of someone in your area who can successfully grow them. We had problems related to heat and light until we began to grow them under 30% shadecloth in summer (direct sunlight in winter). These pines really perform best in bright morning sunlight rather than under shade cloth as long as the temperature stays below 90F. There are two problems related to summer heat. Above about 95F under direct sunlight the needles will begin to scorch. Above 105F the scorching will be severe and you can expect to lose plants. The other problem is related to the soil temperature. Pots tend to heat up above ambient temperatures in direct sunlight. This can cause root decline and death of the plants. Growing under shadecloth in severe climates solves both of these problems.

My guess is without the deep, cold winter dormancy, this tree will wear itself out in the mild Ventura County climate.  I do not believe it is suitable for your area.  You may want to access Jim Hyland, our allexperts expert on the Trees forum.  I hope this helps.
tom



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again Tom,
Our summers in Camarillo, Ventura County usually average low to mid 80s in temp.  Would this help the Zuisho any...given the lack of deep, long winters?  Our winters are usually in low 40s.

Answer
Hi Mike,
Thanx for the additional info.  I love the Ventura County area.  I enjoy visiting Southern California almost every year (my cousin lives in the Desert, but we usually run around everywhere in between Fresno and San Diego!).  The thing of it is, the tree requires extremely cold winters in order to grow well.  Here's what I'd do if I were you.  Go ahead and try growing it and see what happens?  Why not?  Go into it with the attitude that if you can afford to spend the money on the tree and it doesn't survive, you will have taken a risk for which you were prepared.  I loathe the possibility of being noted for being one of those know-it-all "experts" who poo-poos anything different or new.  Good luck to you and let me know how it goes.
Tom