Pseudotsuga menziesii Pannenhoef - Douglas Fir

Pseudotsuga menziesii 'Pannenhoef' is a dwarf Douglas fir, with a very compact, upright and irregular habit. While young, it forms a very dense small pyramid, with several unequal branches, and develops over the years into a wide rounded crown carried by a very short trunk. Its bushy, feathery appearance, greyish-green with bluish highlights in spring, is adorned with pretty creamy and pointed buds in winter. This variety with its twisted appearance will be enhanced on the terrace, as a solitary specimen, or in a large rockery. It is a hardy plant, with slow growth, that thrives in sunny, light, well-drained, humus-rich soil.

Pseudotsuga menziesii, commonly called Douglas fir or Oregon pine, is a conifer of the pine family, native to North America. An adult specimen (which can live between 400 and 500 years) reaches a height of 50 to 80 m (164 to 262ft) in its native regions. The Douglas fir shows rapid growth, which has encouraged massive planting in Europe for reforestation. It is a species that prefers cool and moist climates, and appreciates moist and light soils. Its heartwood is durable and widely used in construction.

The 'Pannenhoef' variety is a dwarf form of great ornamental value, derived from this species. It is distinguished by its slow growth, irregular habit, and the beautiful grey-green colour of its foliage. Its growth is slow so that it will only reach a height of 2.5 m (8ft), and 1.5 m (3ft) in spread at 10 years old. After several years, it can reach a height of up to 3 m (10ft) with a diameter of 2.5 m (8ft) depending on pruning. Its branches are initially ascending, then more horizontal with age, covered with needles 10 to 20 mm (1in) long, quite thick, soft, flexible, curved, pointed, and narrowed at the base, initially bluish and then grey-green, with a lighter underside. They are inserted all around the twigs, in a brush-like arrangement and give off a lemony scent when crushed. This plant has a well-developed root system, which makes the transplantation of large specimens somewhat delicate, but allows it to draw deeply from the soil's nutrient resources.

The Oregon pine 'Pannenhoef' is full of surprises, with a somewhat unpredictable habit, but easy to grow in cool climates. It will enhance a large rockery or any border. It will find its place in all gardens, even the smallest ones. It requires little or no maintenance and goes well with large stones, the geometric lines of swimming pools, and masonry. It can be associated with complementary grasses or dwarf conifers with a prostrate, round, or columnar shape to play with the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures. Conifers with their reassuring permanence can structurally enhance a border, mark pathways and border terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. The key is to play with volumes and colours.