About
Abies balsamea 'Piccolo' is a compact dwarf variety that typically grows to about 30 cm in height and 40 cm in width within a decade. Its numerous short branches are densely arranged and feature short, dark green needles with rounded tips. This cultivar is notably more compact than 'Nana'. In spring, the prominent brown vegetative buds provide additional visual interest.
About the genus
Abies are evergreen coniferous trees that can reach significant heights. They feature whorled branches that support narrow, flattened leaves, typically having a whitish underside. The upper branches produce substantial cones that disintegrate while still attached to the tree.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conifers, Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grows best in deep, slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soils in cooler climates. See conifer cultivation
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by grafting.
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to adelgids and aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to honey fungus