Description

Family Pinaceae
Originating from W. USA

• Strikingly architectural, with the character of a mature tree in miniature.
• Bearing red pollen cones and tall purple seed cones.
• Tough and easy to grow in most soil types and in pots.

An original-looking, striking Fir due to its strongly geometrical branching pattern, with short needles tightly held to the branches. It perfectly captures the graceful form of its parent species, the Noble Fir, which can reach heights of 40m, in miniature. This variant features elegantly down-swept branches, yet it bears long, stiff shoots. New season’s needles emerge in late spring, dazzling in a silvery hue before maturing to silver/green.

Conifers are rarely selected for gardens based on their flowering and fruiting displays, yet many exhibit spectacular blooming and seed cone cycles. In late spring, this cultivar starts producing male pollen cones, initially deep purple and maturing to raspberry red, about acorn-sized, on lower branches. These are followed by upright-standing female seed cones on the higher branches, reaching 8 – 10cm in height, and have a fantastic dusky purple shade with protruding golden seed tips. As the cones mature and dry, they transition to a tan hue and open up, revealing seeds inside.

The procession of displays offered by this exceptional cultivar could rival that of numerous flowering shrubs, showcasing evergreen shoots, vibrant male flowers, and enduring seed cones.

Rarely available in the UK, this variety has been grafted and nurtured by our artisan growers in Holland and is already around 6 years old. As a slow-growing form, it will flourish in our designated pot for 4 – 5 years with consistent feeding and watering during summer. Suitable for neutral to acid soil. For potted growth, regular watering and feeding in summer are recommended. The ‘Noble fir’ is a highly resilient and easily cultivated conifer.

A stunning specimen for planting in pots or creating a highly distinctive composition within a group or pairs in a garden setting. We are pleased to offer you this variety, which has been produced by our artisan growers in Holland and is likely already 6 years old. Rat Tail is a very hardy and easily cultivated conifer of medium/slow growth rate, well suited to pot cultivation.

Mature height and spread after 10 years if not pruned 2.5m x 1.5m.