Abies balsamea Nana - Fir

Abies balsamea 'Nana' is a dwarf form of balsam fir, with a sturdy and very compact habit, covered in fine and soft, bright green foliage. In spring, its light and prominent buds at the end of almost vertical branches bring light to the whole. With its slow growth and small size, it is perfect for small gardens, rock gardens, or containers.

The balsam fir is a conifer of the Pinaceae family, native to North America, which reaches a height of 15 to 20m (49ft 2in to 65ft 7in) in its natural environment and forms a trunk of 60cm (23.6in) in diameter.

The 'Nana' form represents a kind of miniature of this species. It will not exceed 50cm (19.7in) in height and 65cm (25.6in) in diameter, after many years of cultivation. It has a compact habit, initially globose, then more spreading, and forms a very soft cushion, made up of upright branches where very thin and very flexible, bright green needles are inserted, marked with 2 white lines on the underside. Its large spring buds crown its dark green foliage with a lime green velvet. Note that this variety, like the species, is impregnated with a fragrant resin (a balm) exuding a very pleasant spicy fragrance.

Abies balsamea 'Nana' is ideal for container cultivation on a terrace or in small gardens thanks to its slow growth and small size. With its dense cushion-like silhouette, which does not require pruning, it will work wonders in rock gardens, especially if planted in groups of 3 subjects. The true graphic qualities of dwarf conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of forms, silhouettes, and textures to that of flowering. These plants with a strong personality structurally enhance a bed, mark the paths, border the terrace, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood. They serve as a backdrop for small roses, peonies, or tousled grasses with a very complementary temperament. They can also be associated with ground cover plants such as aubrietas, Cerastiums, and flowering shrubs. The key is to play with volumes and colours.