Abies numidica

Algerian fir is a beautiful conifer from North Africa (Algiers, Morocco) and is widely cultivated in South Europe (the Mediterranean). It is very tolerant to drought, heat, and poor soil but very sensitive to pollution and long-lasting frost under -23°C.

The needles are short and stiff, and densely cover the branches. Their colour is deep green with silvery stripes at margins. Its natural habit is narrowly conical with tiered, almost horizontal branches which droop slightly with age and weight. It grows very slowly and its common garden size is 6 to 8 meters, while in its natural habitat it can make more than twice as much.

It will thrive in light, medium fertile, slightly acidic soil that remains moist but will be perfectly drained. Still it will grow in much less favourable conditions including chalky ground. It loves full sun and heat, therefore we suggest avoiding exposed and windy locations as well as cold, mountainous resorts and frost pockets. It can take short spells of -23°C (USDA zone 6) but prefers warmer winters. It will love being placed in large rockeries where stones absorbing day heat will release their warmth to the soil at night.

Last update 05-02-2018.