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Abies nordmanniana subsp. nordmanniana
  • RHS AGM

Caucasian fir

Evergreen coniferous tree to 30m or more, with a regular, narrow, conical or columnar crown. Dense, rounded, glossy dark green leaves, notched, with a sunken midrib, are held in distinctive sprays where a proportion of the needles are swept forwards above the shoots, almost obscuring it. Slender, tapered, reddish-brown cones are 15cm long and 5cm wide

Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Bronze Red
Summer Green Red Brown
Autumn Green Red Brown
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Pinaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Abies are evergreen conifers, often very tall, with whorled branches bearing flattened, linear leaves, often whitish beneath, and on the upper branches, large cones which break up whilst attached to the tree

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained slightly acidic soil in full sun or part shade in a sheltered position out of cold winds. See conifer cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in a coldframe, as soon as ripe or in late winter - stratify for 21 days to aid germination; propagate by grafting in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to adelgids and aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to honey fungus

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