Nordmann Fir ‘Golden Spreader’ is a fine evergreen conifer specimen, with soft green foliage that turns golden yellow in winter.
| Botanical Name | Abies nordmanniana ‘Golden Spreader’ |
| Common Name | Nordmann Fir |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Flower Color | Does not produce flowers |
| Size When Mature | 36 inches |
| Bloom Time | N/A |
| Sun Requirements | Partial shade |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 4 to 6 |
| Soil PH Range | Neutral, Acidic |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, Moist |
| Water Needs | Medium |
| Native Area | Caucasus Mountains |
What you Need to Know About Nordmann Fir
Nordmann Fir, aka Abies nordmanniana ‘Golden Spreader’ is a dwarf specimen that can reach up to 36 inches tall and achieve a 5-foot spread. The conifer’s foliage can easily steal the spotlight in your landscape, with mint-green leaves slowly turning a golden yellow hue as the season progresses.
The slow-growing conifer has several requirements, but once you meet all of them then you can expect a long-lived showstopper in your rock garden or winter landscape. ‘Golden Spreader’ does not produce flowers but rather cones that are aesthetically insignificant.
How to Care for Nordmann Fir
Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for a thriving Nordmann Fir ‘Golden Spreader’
Light
The Nordmann Fir grows in full sun in its native region, but concentrated sunlight tends to burn its beautiful foliage. As such, it might be better to play it safe and position your Abies nordmanniana ‘Golden Spreader’ where it gets partial shade, or a few hours of morning light and shade the rest of the day.
The dwarf evergreen shrub may be grown in a container. However, you will still need to meet its light requirement by placing it beside a window that gets plenty of bright light.
Water and Soil Needs
‘Golden Spreader’ is a bit particular when it comes to soil and watering.
First, the medium has to be well-drained and either has a significant amount of sand or loam. Heavy clay soils are not recommended since the Nordmann Fir does not like to stay waterlogged for too long.
Nordmann Fir prefers acidic or neutral soil and regular watering to stay happy.
Temperature Requirements
The Nordmann Fir grows in USDA zones 4 to 6 and won’t tolerate prolonged heat and extended droughts. The best temperature range for the ‘Golden Spreader’ is an area that gets room temperature. The tree is known to withstand frosts of minus 25 degrees F with little to no damage done on the leaves or branches.
Fertilizer
The best fertilizer to use on a Nordmann Fir is a slow-release fertilizer. Bonemeal and similar organic products should be enough for bushy and attractive foliage.
Alternatively, you can feed a slow-release balanced granular fertilizer once every growing season to give Nordmann Fir the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Humus, garden compost, and manure are welcome as well.
Common Diseases
Abies Nordmanniana Golden Spreader is usually free from pests and diseases when healthy.
Problems that affect the plant include twig blight, cankers, root rot, and needle rust. Keep an eye out for aphids, adelgids, budworms, and bagworms.
These pests can be treated with the appropriate insecticide and dislodged with a strong spray of water from the hose.
Nordmann Fir Propagation
Nordmann Fir ‘Golden Spreader’ is normally propagated by seed. Growers must expose it to a short period of cold in the fridge to prepare the seed for germination.
Soak the seeds for 24 hours in water, then place them in a ziplock bag and inside the fridge. After 6 to 8 weeks, sow the seeds in a general potting mix and add a fine layer of vermiculite. Germination should occur in a few weeks. As a reminder, you should keep the soil moist through regular watering or misting and place the plant where it can get partial sun.
Alternatively, you can purchase Nordmann Fir seedlings at a reputable nursery and follow planting instructions.
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