Thrives in a deep well-drained loamy or peaty soil. Established plants are very tolerant of hot dry conditions and drought. Tolerates poor sandy soils but is then more subject to damage by white-scale insects in a succession of dry seasons. Plants are not very happy when growing on chalky soils but they thrive on limestone. Requires a sunny position. This species is somewhat tender in Britain especially when young and at least in the north of the country, it grows best in the south and the west. Trees are probably much hardier than has been supposed. No trees were reported as killed by the very severe winter of 1962 - 3, even some trees east of Edinburgh survived without damage. A healthy tree at Cambridge botanical gardens was 6 metres tall in 1989. Growth can be quite vigorous, especially in young trees, with many averaging 60cm a year. Growth slows and almost comes to a halt when the tree is 12 - 15 metres tall. New growth takes place from mid-May to mid-October. Plants are subject to injury by the wind. Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus. The seed takes two summers to mature. Mature cones can remain unopened on the tree for a number of years. They open after the heat of a forest fire to scatter their seeds which then germinate and grow away quickly in the ashes of the fire. Plants are resentful of root disturbance, any transplanting should be done in April or September when the roots are in active growth. A very variable plant.

None known

Seed - sow late winter in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Three weeks cold stratification can improve germination rates. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 20°c. The seedlings are very subject to damping off so should be watered with care and kept well-ventilated. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed can store for several years. Cuttings of almost ripe wood, September in a frost-proof frame. April/May is the best time to take cuttings.

Rocky mountainous areas, usually near the coast, in S. Europe.