Abies pinsapo Spanish fir

Spanish fir is one of the most beautiful and elegant conifers next to cedars. It comes from south of Spain and Morocco, home of its close relative Algerian fir. It is valued for its symmetrical, conical habit and numerous dense foliage (needles). It is also called hedgehog fir as the needles are short and stiff, regularly composed around its branches.

Spanish fir make only some 1.5 cm short needles which do not tend to fall off quickly unlike most other European conifers. A tree keeps its needles for many years which helps it remain dense and rich green. The needles are only slightly glaucous unlike it sister variety Glauca which has striking silvery-blue foliage. Female cones are cylindrical, about 10 cm long and grow erect on insolated branches. They ripen in August.

In Central Europe garden grown trees grow slowly or moderately (about 20cm per year), reaching some 10 meter high and about 4 meters wide in maturity. In its natural habitat it can make twice as much.

Spanish fir likes light, medium fertile, only slightly acidic to very alkaline soil. It must drain well or remain almost dry after it establishes, it hates waterlogged and cold grounds as it is a heat loving plant. Grow it in full sun only, in a location protected from harsh winds. Avoid frost pockets and regions with long-lasting frosts. Otherwise it is hardy to about -25°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 05-02-2018