'Mops.' Selected in the Netherlands in 1951, this cultivar reaches 3 feet high and wide at maturity. It has ¾ to 1 inch, dark green needles that can change to light green or almost yellow in winter. It normally produces multiple buds. Very tight, dense look.

‘Valley Cushion’ is very similar.

'Sherwood Compact' has small, green needles and is a fine choice for foundation plantings since it slowly grows into a globe of 3 feet to 4 feet tall with an equal spread. 

TO CONTROL SIZE: 

Part of the new candles (spring growing shoots) can be removed to slow size increase and change shape. New young "candles" appear as early as April or in summer; & these can be removed if there is a desire to keep the shrub particularly small. Tip-pruning or candling will greatly reduce production of cones which tend to appear at the tips, & pruning is certainly not required for the health of the shrub.

Iseli Site--pruning or candling to maintain a respectable size and shape. Most of these varieties bear short needles; have a dense, compact habit; and are typically low-mounded to globose in form.

NOTE:  Pinus mugo—the straight shrub—is 5-6’ over time.