CLICK HERE FOR THE NEW 'GARDEN OF EADEN’ WEBSITE AND SEED SHOP
Although there are many types of Xmas tree that you could choose from there are generally only two varieties that you will come across in the UK market. The first is the traditional tree - the Norway spruce, and the second is today's best seller the Nordmann fir. However, nowadays we are seeing more and more unusual varieties coming onto the shop floors, unfortunately while some of them have excellent qualities they are often not grown in enough numbers or to a high enough standard to take the crown from our other two best sellers. Below is our breakdown of the most likely Xmas tree varieties you will be able to buy in the UK this Christmas..
NORWAY SPRUCE - Picea abies
This beautiful, dark-green spruce is the variety of christmas tree that brings back all of those childhood memories of Christmas, and it’s also the tree that was introduced to England in the early nineteenth century by the then Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria. Its charm is down to its gorgeous piney scent which can fill a room within minutes, but it is at a cost. The essential oils that carry the scent are released from the trees needles as they dry out and of all the trees available at Christmas; this is the variety that will lose its needles the fastest quickest. The main advantage that it has over the other trees other than its wonderful fragrance is that are that they are relatively inexpensive to buy, and if you can find a supplier who keeps them trimmed up on a yearly basis, their trees will have best conical shape of any variety that you will see.
NORDMANN FIR – Abies nordmanniana
Perhaps the most popular tree in the UK today is the Nordmann fir, otherwise known as the needle-fast or low needle drop tree. Living up to its common name it has an uncanny way of holding onto its needles far longer than it has any right to, and this is partially down to its thick sugary sap locking up its precious water. Along with large, thick leathery needles which are firmly secured to pliable stems, the Nordmann fir easily prevents the server water loss suffered by the Norway spruce. Even when subjected to the harsh, environmental conditions of a domestic radiator their tenacious needles are still reluctant to fall even when they have turned a rather obvious desiccated brown. This leads some owners to spray tired specimens with green paint to maintain the charade of lush greeny health to friends and family. Unfortunately it’s because of their incredible ability to remain hydrated that they have little or no pine scent, and this is really their only downfall. As a specimen, it consists of rich green leaves similar to that of a yew tree, while the branches tend to grow in tiers making the tree ideal for hanging large ornaments from. It is this kind of ability that makes the Nordmann fir Britain’s best selling Christmas tree.
SCOTS PINE – Pinus sylvestris
If you are looking for something different then there are normally a few unusual specimens to be found if you look hard enough. Popular in the USA is the Scots pine - Pinus sylvestris. It is known for its dark green foliage and stiff branches which are well suited for decorating with both light and heavy ornaments. It has excellent needle retention characteristics and holds up well throughout the Christmas period.
NOBLE FIR – Abies procera
Perhaps the most popular tree in the UK today is the Nordmann fir, otherwise known as the needle-fast or low needle drop tree. Living up to its common name it has an uncanny way of holding onto its needles far longer than it has any right to, and this is partially down to its thick sugary sap locking up its precious water. Along with large, thick leathery needles which are firmly secured to pliable stems, the Nordmann fir easily prevents the server water loss suffered by the Norway spruce. Even when subjected to the harsh, environmental conditions of a domestic radiator their tenacious needles are still reluctant to fall even when they have turned a rather obvious desiccated brown. This leads some owners to spray tired specimens with green paint to maintain the charade of lush greeny health to friends and family. Unfortunately it’s because of their incredible ability to remain hydrated that they have little or no pine scent, and this is really their only downfall. As a specimen, it consists of rich green leaves similar to that of a yew tree, while the branches tend to grow in tiers making the tree ideal for hanging large ornaments from. It is this kind of ability that makes the Nordmann fir Britain’s best selling Christmas tree.
SCOTS PINE – Pinus sylvestris
If you are looking for something different then there are normally a few unusual specimens to be found if you look hard enough. Popular in the USA is the Scots pine - Pinus sylvestris. It is known for its dark green foliage and stiff branches which are well suited for decorating with both light and heavy ornaments. It has excellent needle retention characteristics and holds up well throughout the Christmas period.
NOBLE FIR – Abies procera
Alternatively you could consider the noble fir which is similar in shape, if not a little more compact, to the Nordmann .It has soft blue-green needles on evenly spaced strong branches perfect for heavy ornaments. Noble Firs have exceptional needle retention and a pleasant mild fir scent. If grown in sufficient quantites it the Noble fir that is most likely to take the crown away from the Nordmann.
FRASER FIR – Abies fraseri
The Fraser fir has a great combination of form, needle retention, dark blue-green colour, and pleasant scent and this has led to the Fraser fir being one of the most popular Christmas tree species in North America. The Fraser fir also has excellent needle retaining properties as well as tightly packed branches which can provide a well shaped and narrow tree. this is particularly useful if space is tight. Unfortunatley the quality of Fraser firs grown in the country is usually poor, but if you can find a good one then you are on to a winner
DOUGLAS FIR – Pseudotsuga menziesii
FRASER FIR – Abies fraseri
The Fraser fir has a great combination of form, needle retention, dark blue-green colour, and pleasant scent and this has led to the Fraser fir being one of the most popular Christmas tree species in North America. The Fraser fir also has excellent needle retaining properties as well as tightly packed branches which can provide a well shaped and narrow tree. this is particularly useful if space is tight. Unfortunatley the quality of Fraser firs grown in the country is usually poor, but if you can find a good one then you are on to a winner
DOUGLAS FIR – Pseudotsuga menziesii
Unlike some of the others the Douglas fir is not a true fir , but it can still make for an excellent Christmas tree. It has very dense foliage with an upright branch structure. Color ranges from a medium green to dark green with soft needles that spring back quickly when squeezed in the hand. It has a pleasant evergreen aroma, and while not overpowering, will fill a room with a fresh scent. This tree will hold medium and light weight ornaments nicely.
For further information on click onto the links below:
Can you Plant up a Christmas Tree after Christmas?
Can you Replant a Christmas Tree?
Can you Replant a Cut Christmas Tree?
Christmas Tree
Cloves and Cinnamon - Spices with the Sweet Scent of Christmas
Can you Replant a Christmas Tree?
Can you Replant a Cut Christmas Tree?
Christmas Tree
Cloves and Cinnamon - Spices with the Sweet Scent of Christmas
Gardening Jobs For December
How Does Mistletoe Grow
How to Choose a Christmas Tree
How to Grow Mistletoe from Seed
How to Propagate and Grow Mistletoe
How to Stop Christmas Trees from Dropping their Needles
Jack Lantern
How Does Mistletoe Grow
How to Choose a Christmas Tree
How to Grow Mistletoe from Seed
How to Propagate and Grow Mistletoe
How to Stop Christmas Trees from Dropping their Needles
Jack Lantern
2 comments:
A Christmas tree farm composed of planting of specific tree species that are cultured under an intensive management plan for the production of high-quality Christmas trees. Intensive management involves three major phases.
-----------------
adolfo
Influencer
Thanks for the good information. I think we will go with the Nordmann fir this year.
Post a Comment