Abies nordmanniana (Abies)

History

This fir is native to the mountains south and east of the Black Sea, in Turkey, Georgia, Russian Caucasus and northern parts of Armenia. It occurs at altitudes of 900-2,200 m on mountains with a rainfall of over 1,000 mm. The species is named after Alexander von Nordmann (1803-1866), Professor of Botany at Odessa.

Planting

Plant new trees in well drained soil in ealy spring or early autumn. Water the tree well before planting. Dig a hole large enough for the root ball, loosen the soil at the bottom and mix in well rotted organic material to help retain the moisture and a handful of bonemeal to encourage root growth.  Place the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, backfill, firm in carefully around the roots and water in well. This will ensure good soil and root contact, stability in windy conditions and a good start for the plant.

Propagation

Semi-ripe and ripewood cuttings and seeds. (Plant seeds February to May)

Cultivation

Grows best in moist, free draining, fertile soil in full sun. It will survive in dry conditions but much prefers cooler climates. Growth is slower in dense shade and it cannot tolerate pollution.

Aftercare

Conifers are shallow rooted trees and so need regular watering until they become more established and during dry spells.  An application of a bark mulch will supress the weeds at the base of the tree and also help to retain moisture. Young trees may also need protection in windy areas if the roots have not yet had chance to get established. It is also important to ensure the soil is well drained in order to avoid root rot. No feeding is required for these trees as they survive quite happily on poor soils.

Pests

Trouble free.

Diseases

Trouble free.

This plant is scented.

Other information

This fir retains its needles well even when cut for use as a Christmas Tree. The wood from these trees is not of good quality but is used in construction and for pulp.

Abies nordmanniana as a Christmas tree

This tree has become increasingly popular over recent years. It has a good looking shape and dense lower branches which are covered in soft wide and flat deep green coloured needles. The needles give off a citrus smell when crushed.

The dense foliage means that electric light cables can be easily hidden and branches do not droop much until the tree dries out.

Perhaps the main reason why the tree has become a firm favourite is because it suffers from very little needle loss. Indeed, many retailers market it as the 'Non-Drop' tree.

Height/Spread

A large shapely evergreen conifer that is not too bushy, with good space between the branches and has a trunk up to 2m in diameter. The bark is grey-brown and smooth with resin blisters. New stems are grey/light brown and 1.8-3.5cm flattened, needles, with glossy dark green uppers and blue/white undersides, densley cover the branches. It produces pale brown/red oval buds which are sometimes resinous and cylindrical cones which are 10-20cm long and 4-5cm wide.  The cones start off green but mature to a red/brown and contain winged seeds which are released in autumn (Oct).

Annual care

March

Apply a bark mulch at the base of the tree to supress weeds and help retain moisture in the soil.

July

Make sure the tree is well watered during dry spells.