Spanish fir (Abies pinsapo)

In the Iberian Peninsula we find abies pinsapo, a conifer that, unlike its cousins, prefers to live in mountain climates but as long as they are in an area with a Mediterranean climate. For this reason, it is ideal to grow in gardens with mild temperatures, as it is also beautiful.

Its growth rate is not very fast, but that does not mean that it cannot be enjoyed from its youth. Do we know it?

Origin and characteristics

The pinsapo, also known as Spanish fir, Andalusian fir, Spanish fir, or pinzapo, It is an endemic conifer of the Iberian Peninsula, specifically of the Betic mountains of Cádiz and Málaga, at an altitude of about 1200 meters. It is very similar to the firs of the North of Morocco, the a. moroccan y A. Tazaotana; in fact for a long time these two were believed to be varieties of Spanish fir, but diverse studies They showed that no, that they are genetically different. Thus, the abies pinsapo it is a unique species.

Grows to a height of up to 30 meters, with a bearing that is usually pyramidal. As it ages, and depending on the habitat conditions, its trunk may twist or divide, becoming called "candelabra pinsapo". This trunk has a light gray, cracked bark, and with a thickness of up to 50cm.

The leaves are stiff and sharp, dark green, and perennial. This means that they are kept in the plant for several months, maybe years, but at the end of their life they dry out and fall, as the new ones are replacing them. Blooms in spring, the male cones being purple-red, or rarely yellow. And the pineapples are large, with a cylindrical shape, with a smooth texture, inside which are the pine nuts that will be released as soon as they mature (towards summer / autumn).

What are their cares?

Do you want to have a copy? Then we recommend you provide the following care:

Location

It is a conifer that must be abroad. But where? It depends: if you live in an area with strong insolation and where it is very hot in summer (30ºC or more), it will grow better in a place where it gets direct sunlight; if not, you can have it in full sun.

Earth

• Garden: the soil must be rich in organic matter, with good drainage, and limestone.
• Flower pot: It is not a plant to have in a pot, not during its entire life. However, you can enjoy it for many years in containers with drainage holes filled with universal growing medium (for sale here).

Irrigation

Irrigation has to be frecuente, especially in summer it should not lack water. But it is important to control it, because it does not withstand drought but waterlogging does not do it any good either. When in doubt, check the moisture of the soil or substrate, for example with a moisture meter, which will tell you instantly how it is. Based on that, you will be able to know if it is convenient to water, or if on the contrary you have to wait a little longer.

Subscriber

From early spring to late summer (It can be until autumn if the weather is mild, with very weak and / or late frosts), it is very important to pay it once a month or every 15 days with organic fertilizers, be it mulch, compost, egg and / or banana shells , or others.

If you have it in a pot, always use liquid fertilizers, since otherwise the water drainage will be hindered and, as a consequence, the roots would be damaged.

Pruning

Don't need it. Remove only dry, diseased, weak or broken branches. Do it in late winter, or late summer / early fall.

Planting or transplanting time

Late winter. If you have it in a pot, transplant it to a larger one with drainage holes every two to three years.

Multiplication of the Spanish fir

The pinsapo multiplies by seeds or cuttings in spring. How to proceed in each case ?:

Seeds

To multiply it by seeds you have to fill a seedling tray (for sale here) with universal growing substrate, water well, and place a maximum of two seeds in each socket.

Once the tray is placed outside, and keeping the soil moist, they will germinate in about 1-2 months.

Cuttings

If you want to multiply it by cuttings you have to cut a branch of about 40cm, impregnate the base with liquid rooting hormones (for sale No products found.), and plant it in a pot with substrate such as universal or vermiculite (for sale here).

Keeping them outside, in semi-shade, they will root after about 1 month.

Plagues and diseases

As long as you get the water you need, It's very tough. In fact, its greatest enemy is us, the people, as well as global warming. Arson, drought, and deforestation are your potential enemies.

Rusticity

Resists up to -18ºC.

What uses is it given?

It is a very decorative plant, ideal for medium-large gardens. It can be had as an isolated specimen or in alignments, planting them about eight meters from each other.

In the past, its wood was made paper, being soft. But it is no longer being done.

What did you think of the abies pinsapo?