Nordmann Fir 'Aurea'

Nordmann or Caucasian fir 'Aurea' (Abies nordmanniana 'Aurea') has flat, glossy needles up to 3 cm long, with two white bands beneath, and their colour is a warm yellow gold that burns brightest on the young spring growth.

This is a rare collector's clone, largely replaced in nurseries by the low-growing 'Golden Spreader'. 'Aurea', by contrast, keeps the tree-like bearing of the species: a dense pyramidal crown, branches in even tiers, a trunk clothed to the ground. Give it a specimen spot in the open, where the sun brings the gold out in full.

Key characteristics:

• What makes it special: Nordmann fir cones never fall whole: once ripe they break apart into scales right on the branch, leaving a bare central spike.
• Hardiness: Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4).
• Light: It holds its golden needles best in full sun, though in hot regions a little light shade does them good.
• Soil: It needs fertile, acidic, consistently fresh and well-drained soil; on heavy clays it grows poorly.
• Watering: Water it evenly: its mountain origins show, and it will not forgive the root zone drying out.
• Care: It has no serious pests; just keep an eye out for adelgids, bark beetles, root rots and needle rust.
• Landscape use: A classic specimen tree for a large garden; the species is also widely grown as a Christmas tree.