Tree · Pinaceae family

Nordmann fir

Abies nordmanniana

Full sun to part shade 20–30 m × 6–10 m to −29 °C Low maintenance

In short a 10-second read

Nordmann fir (tree) grows to 20–30 m tall and 6–10 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −29 °C.

SunFull sun to part shade
Size20–30 m
× spread 6–10 m
WinterNo protection
CareLow maintenance

Where to plant

Sun, soil, frost.

It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −29 °C.

Sun

Sun6 hours or more
Part shade3–6 hours
Shadeunder 3 h

Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.

Soil and water

average to moist · watering: moderate

Soil: loamy, humus-rich, clay

Frost

−29 °C

It copes with a normal winter outdoors.

How much space it takes

Mature size.

The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).

Next to a person

1 m2 m3 m4 m5 m6 m7 m8 m9 m10 m11 m12 m13 m14 m15 m16 m17 m18 m19 m20 m21 m22 m23 m24 m25 m26 m27 m28 m29 m30 m20–30 mspread 6–10 m

Reaches maturity in about 20–50 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.

Calendar

What to do and when.

Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.

The year at a glance

Planting: JanuaryPlanting: FebruaryPlanting: MarchPlanting: AprilPlanting: MayPlanting: JunePlanting: JulyPlanting: AugustPlanting: SeptemberPlanting: OctoberPlanting: NovemberPlanting: DecemberWinter protection: JanuaryWinter protection: FebruaryWinter protection: MarchWinter protection: AprilWinter protection: MayWinter protection: JuneWinter protection: JulyWinter protection: AugustWinter protection: SeptemberWinter protection: OctoberWinter protection: NovemberWinter protection: DecemberJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Planting
Now, in October: a good time for planting (container plant).

Planting

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

container plant: March, October–November

Winter protection

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

not needed

Overwintering

It copes with winter on its own.

It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −29 °C.

  • Needs no protection
  • Hardy to −29 °C
  • Evergreen — green in winter too

Frequently asked

Quick answers.

Does Nordmann fir tolerate shade?

It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.

How much space does Nordmann fir need?

At maturity 6–10 m wide and 20–30 m tall; recommended spacing 600 cm.

Does Nordmann fir survive winter outdoors?

Yes, without protection, hardy to −29 °C.

Where the data comes from

The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 28 September 2026.

Show sources (13)

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