Hudson fir 'Nana' Abies balsamea (Hudsonia Group) 'Nana'

πŸ‘€ Non-toxic to humans
🐾 Non-toxic to pets
🌸 Not blooming
πŸͺ Not edible
β€πŸŒ± Easy-care
Hudson fir 'Nana'

ABOUT

A compact, rounded conifer forming a dense mound to around 1m high and wide. Dark green needles are arranged in a spiral around the shoots; new foliage emerges pale green in spring before maturing to dark green

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Synonyms

      Dwarf Balsam Fir, Nana Balsam Fir, Hudsonia Dwarf Balsam Fir

    • Common names

      Abies balsamea 'Nana', Abies balsamea var. phanerolepis 'Nana', Abies balsamea var. nana.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Evergreen

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Height

      2-3 feet [0.6-0.9 meters]

    • Spread

      2-3 feet [0.6-0.9 meters]

    • Plant type

      Tree

    • Hardiness zones

      3-6

    • Native area

      North America

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Compact Size: 'Nana' is a dwarf variety, making it suitable for smaller gardens or limited spaces.
    • Ornamental Appeal: With its dense, dark green needles and compact shape, it adds aesthetic value to any landscape.
    • Low Maintenance: The plant is known for requiring minimal care once established, ideal for busy gardeners.
    • Cold Hardy: It can endure harsh winter climates, making it a suitable choice for northern gardens.
    • Suitable for Rock Gardens: Its small stature and slow growth habit make it an excellent addition to rock gardens.
    • Erosion Control: The plant's root system helps to stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
    • Habitat for Wildlife: Cones of the balsam fir provide food and shelter for birds and small mammals.
    • Year-Round Interest: Being an evergreen, it retains its needles throughout the year, offering constant greenery.
    • Fragrant Foliage: The needles release a pleasant, balsamic fragrance, especially when crushed.
    • Resistant to Deer: It is relatively resistant to browsing by deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer are a common issue.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • The dense branches of the Balsam Fir 'Nana' can be used as a natural brush in painting techniques that require texturing, such as creating the appearance of foliage in landscape paintings.
    • Wood from Balsam Fir 'Nana' can be crafted into small wooden figures or ornaments, as it has a pleasant fragrance and compact size suitable for intricate carving.
    • Due to its dwarf stature, Balsam Fir 'Nana' can be used in miniature garden designs, fairy gardens, or as part of a living tabletop display for decorative purposes.
    • The branches and needles of this plant can be infused in oil to create scented candles or potpourris that offer a natural forest aroma to indoor spaces.
    • Balsam Fir 'Nana' can serve as a habitat to support local wildlife in a garden, such as providing shelter for birds and beneficial insects.
    • The tree can be used in bonsai practice, thanks to its small size and ability to adapt to pruning and shaping, offering a touch of coniferous aesthetics to the ancient art form.
    • Dried needles of the Balsam Fir 'Nana' can be utilized in making aromatic sachets to freshen up drawers, closets, and even car interiors.
    • During the holiday season, clippings from the Balsam Fir 'Nana' can be used to create mini wreaths or garlands that add festive decoration to small spaces.
    • The sap from Balsam Fir 'Nana' can be used in traditional craftwork as a natural adhesive or as an ingredient in making pine-scented soaps.
    • The tree can be incorporated into a windbreak or privacy planting in a small garden or landscape, providing a barrier without consuming a lot of space.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Balsam Fir is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Balsam Fir is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Purity: The evergreen nature of the Balsam Fir represents continual growth and the enduring nature of life, symbolizing purity of mind and actions.
    • Resilience: Able to withstand harsh climates and poor soil conditions, the Balsam Fir symbolizes resilience and the capacity to endure challenging times.
    • Protection: Traditionally, firs have been associated with protection due to their robustness and evergreen foliage, suggesting security and safety.
    • Patience: As a slow-growing tree, the Balsam Fir symbolizes patience, embodying the idea that worth and strength are often the product of time and persistence.

πŸ’§
Every 2-3 weeks
Water
β˜€οΈ
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
πŸ’¦οΈ
6%
Humidity
πŸͺ΄
Every 2-3 years
Repotting
🌱️
Spring to Summer
Propogation
βœ‚οΈοΈ
Not needed
Pruning
  • water dropWater

    The Dwarf Balsam Fir, when planted outdoors, should be watered deeply and thoroughly about once a week, particularly during dry spells. In the landscape, aim to provide about 1 to 1.5 inches of water weekly, taking into account rainfall. Adjust the frequency to every two to three weeks in cooler weather. For container-grown specimens, water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, providing enough water each time to allow excess to drain out of the bottom of the pot, typically using about a gallon for a large container.

  • sunLight

    The Dwarf Balsam Fir prefers a spot in full sun to partial shade. It thrives best with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but can also tolerate some light shade, especially in the hotter part of the day. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can lead to sparse growth and a reduction in the plant’s overall health and aesthetics.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Dwarf Balsam Fir is hardy and can survive in a range of temperatures, enduring winter lows down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit and summer highs up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperature for robust growth typically ranges from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that this plant is not suited for indoor environments as its natural habitat is the cold, northern forests.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning of the Dwarf Balsam Fir is generally not necessary unless to remove damaged or diseased branches. If shaping is required, do it in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning at this time ensures wounds heal quickly without stimulating excessive new growth that might be damaged by cold weather.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    Balsam Fir 'Nana' thrives in acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. A mix with peat moss, compost, and perlite or sand is ideal for maintaining moisture while avoiding waterlogging.

  • plantRepotting

    Balsam Fir 'Nana' should be repotted every 3-4 years to refresh the soil, as it is a slow-growing shrub. It's crucial not to over-pot, choose a container only slightly larger than the current one.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Balsam Fir 'Nana' prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to average home humidity. To create optimal conditions, maintain a humidity level around 40-60%.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Ensure bright light, cool temps, and moist soil.

    • Outdoor

      Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, protect from wind.

    • Hardiness zone

      3-7 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    Balsam fir 'Nana', a dwarf cultivar, begins its life as a seed, most likely germinating in spring and requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination, the seedling establishes roots and a shoot, gradually developing true leaves and beginning photosynthesis. As it enters the juvenile phase, the plant experiences rapid growth and the production of dense, needle-like leaves, which contribute to its characteristic compact, rounded shape. Reaching maturity after several years, 'Nana' starts reproducing, producing cones that are smaller than typical balsam fir cones due to its dwarf nature. The mature stage lasts many years, during which the plant maintains a slow growth rate and dense foliage. Once the plant reaches senescence, it experiences reduced vigor, foliage density, and eventually dies, completing its life cycle.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring to Summer

    • The most popular method of propagation for the Balsam Fir 'Nana', a dwarf selection of the species, is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in early to mid-summer when new growth is partially but not fully hardened. Cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) are taken from healthy branches, and the lower needles are carefully removed. The base of the cutting is then treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development and is inserted into a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite. It's important to maintain high humidity around the cuttings, often achieved by placing them under a plastic dome or in a misting chamber, and keep them in a brightly lit area without direct sunlight until roots have established, which can take several weeks to a few months.