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Abies pinsapo

Spanish fir

An upright, evergreen conifer to 20m, with stiff, sharp-tipped grey-green needles, 8-15mm long and 2-3mm wide, which radiate along the stem. The conical cones are 10-15cm x 4-5cm, greenish purple in late spring and maturing to dark or light brown

Other common names
hedgehog fir
Pinsapo
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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 Grey Silver Green Green Purple
Summer Green Grey Silver Green Purple
Autumn Green Grey Silver Brown
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or 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

Plant range
Spain, Morocco

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, neutral to slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun, with some shelter from cold winds. See conifer cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by grafting in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • 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

Get involved

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