Thrives in a well-drained loamy or peaty soil[11]. Very tolerant of hot dry conditions[81]. Tolerates poor sandy soils[81] but is then more subject to insect damage in a succession of dry seasons[11]. Requires a sunny position[81]. Plants are not happy when growing on chalk, but they thrive on limestone[200]. Very tolerant of maritime exposure[11, 75, 82] but plants are not very wind firm in shallow soils[166]. Young trees require staking when planted in very exposed positions[75]. This species is somewhat tender in Britain, especially when young and at least in the north of the country Established trees, however, will tolerate occasional temperatures down to about -10°c and are hardy in most British winters[11, 81, 260]. A tree is 25 metres tall at Kew (1988) but in general they grow better in the western maritime zone[11]. The variety 'Lutea' is hardier than the type and is also more tolerant of wind and salt spray as well as of trimming[185]. New growth takes place from May to September and can be very vigorous when young with new shoots 1 metre long and increases in girth of 5cm or more a year even in old trees[185]. Trees in a very exposed maritime position at Rosewarne in N. Cornwall were 12 metres tall after 30 years[75]. Resents root disturbance, it is best planted out when the roots are in active growth in early autumn or spring[81]. Often planted for shelter and ornament, and also occasionally for timber in W. and S. Europe[50]. The cones ripen in their second year[82]. They can remain closed on the tree for a number of years, opening after the heat of a forest fire to scatter their seeds which then germinate and grow quickly in the ashes of the fire[200]. The crushed leaves have a strong scent of lemon verbena[185]. Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200].