Abies pinsapo
Spanish fir, Hedgehog fir
- Height × spread
- 20m × 12m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This makes a medium to large tree which has rather short branches with stiff, sharp-tipped needles that are bright green on the upper side and rather white underneath. The oblong cones are purple-brown when they first appear and darken with age. They follow small raspberry-coloured pollen cones. It is particularly attractive in its youth when it makes a regular neat cone-shape with whorled branches. This conifer is very tolerant of chalk and can also take hot and dry sites although it is happier in cool moist conditions. It originates in mountainous regions of southern Spain. Its shoots can be crushed to yield a soapy substance that can be used as a detergent.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Brown, Purple
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cone
- Height
- 20m
- Spread
- 12m
- Height in 10 years
- 5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Screening, Structural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
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