Description
Abies nordmanniana – Nordmann fir
Quality: 2/2 P
Short description: The Nordmann fir is Germany’s best-selling Christmas tree – and much more than that: As an evergreen specimen tree with an even conical shape, glossy dark green needles and a silvery-white needle underside, it is one of the most attractive fir species for the garden. Its needles are soft and non-prickly, needle drop is minimal – even as a cut tree it stays fresh for weeks.
Climatic characteristics & site conditions: The Nordmann fir originates from the Caucasus and is hardy down to −25 °C. It prefers fresh, deep and well-drained soils – acidic to neutral. It thrives particularly well in the more humid and cooler regions of southern Germany such as the Black Forest, the Allgäu and the Bavarian Forest. In warmer lowland areas and on dry soils, it suffers from increasing drought stress and is more susceptible to fungal diseases. It tolerates calcareous sites poorly.
Advantages: Even, attractive habit, soft non-prickly needles, hardy, dense evergreen crown, slower-growing than noble fir – stays more compact.
Disadvantages: Not native, less suitable for warm lowlands and dry sites, no calcareous soils, requires a lot of space when mature, susceptible to root rot in unsuitable locations with waterlogging.
