Abies nordmanniana - Nordmann Fir - Potted Christmas Tree

These potted trees are great to bring into your home for the festive season, and will love being planted out for a long life afterwards! Thy will look fabulous in your home decked out in tinsel, baubles and lights, and get bonus points for being living trees too. The perfect choice if you're short on space or not wanting to spend a fortune on tinsel, these trees are approximately  95-110cm tall. Their compact, bushy foliage is perfect for filing with decorations, from the flashy tiffany bauble to the handmade cotton wool snowman. To keep your tree into the new year and beyond, the best approach will be to plant it outside, where it will be happy in a spot with full sun or partial shade. Use slightly acidic soil and water in dry weather whilst your tree is establishing. Originating from the cold climate of the Caucasus, this tree is fully hardy and can grow to be a real feature, especially outdoors where it will love being wreathed in fairy lights for years to come.

Please note that the sizes given are rough measurements. 

Scientific Name
Abies nordmanniana (von Nordmann's fir)

Synonyms
Pinus leioclada, Pinus nordmanniana, Picea nordmanniana, Abies leioclada

This tree has been confused with the Pinus genus in the past, but its current scientific name has been accepted for over a century.

Common Name
Nordmann Fir, Caucasian Fir, Christmas Tree, Christmas Fir

Origin
Native to the Caucasus Mountains, including areas of Georgia, Turkey, and Russia.

Light
Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. If placed indoors, position near a bright window but avoid direct exposure to intense midday sun.

Water
Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water whenever the top inch of soil begins to dry. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.

Humidity
The Nordmann Fir thrives in cooler, more humid conditions. If outdoors, protect it from drying winds. Indoors, keep it away from radiators and consider using a pebble tray to maintain humidity.

Soil
Plant in slightly acidic, well-draining soil. A mix designed for conifers or acid-loving plants works well. If potted, repot every year as the tree grows.

Food
Feed sparingly. During the growing season (spring to early autumn), use a balanced fertiliser formulated for acid-loving plants. Trees planted in the ground rarely need feeding.

Temperature
Thrives in temperatures of 4-18°C but can withstand colder conditions, tolerating frosts as low as -20°C. If indoors, ensure the room is cool and well-ventilated.

Pet-safe
Yes, the Nordmann Fir is non-toxic. Accidentally eating pine needles isn't comfortable, though, so discourage pets and small children from nibbling!

Sprouts Top Tips
Your potted tree will enjoy living outdoors year-round, even in winter, as it’s accustomed to cold temperatures. While it’s happy to come inside for the festive season, try to limit this to around 10-14 days, keeping it in a cool spot away from heat sources. After Christmas, gradually reintroduce it to outdoor conditions to avoid shock.

Did You Know?
The Nordmann Fir is a favourite Christmas tree variety thanks to its soft needles that are less likely to drop, even indoors, and its symmetrical, bushy shape. Named after Finnish botanist Alexander von Nordmann, this tree has been a festive staple in Europe for decades.