Abies balsamea 'Piccolo'
Abies balsamea ?Piccolo? is a tiny, uniform Balsam fir with dark green needles that radiate around its many short branches, hugging the stems. It is smaller and finer than ?Nana? and its branches tend to grow with a bit of a tweist. The dense, very small globe is ideal for rock gardens, containers and small landscapes. In ten years, a mature specimen will stand 12 inches (30 cm) tall and 16 inches (40 cm) wide.
About this plant
Fir Abies
Firs (Abies) are evergreen conifers of the Northern Hemisphere, mostly from cool mountain forests. They are recognised by their conical shape, soft flat needles with two pale bands underneath and cones that stand upright on the branches. Many slow-growing garden forms stay compact, which makes them easy to fit into smaller gardens.
Balsam fir Abies balsamea
The balsam fir comes from the cool forests of North America, where it grows into a narrow, spire-shaped tree. Its fine, glossy dark green needles carry two white lines underneath, and the whole plant is full of a fragrant resin with a pleasant spicy scent. Garden forms are often dwarf cushions with light green spring buds.
Location and soil
The balsam fir grows best in a humus-rich, moist but well-drained, slightly acidic soil in sun or light shade. It is extremely hardy and comes from a cold climate, so it suffers in hot, dry summers and in heavy clay. A cool, sheltered spot suits it well.
Pruning and care
Dwarf balsam firs keep their dense cushion shape without pruning. Plant from February to June or from September to November, keep the soil moist during the first summers and mulch to keep the roots cool. Growth is slow, so the plant stays in proportion for many years.
Use in the garden
The species is a classic Christmas tree thanks to its scent and good needle retention. The dwarf forms are ideal for small gardens, rock gardens, heather beds and containers on a terrace, and look best planted in small groups.
Characteristics
Botanical
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Abies |
| Species | balsamea |
| Cultivar | 'Piccolo' |
Foliage
| Evergreen | yes |
Growth habit
| Height | 50 cm |
Location
| Winter hardiness | -35 °C |
| Soil type | acid, neutral |
| Location | sun, half shade |
| Soil moisture | moist |
Use
| Type (use) | solitary, conifer |