Christmas trees

Norway Spruce

Picea abies

Popular traditional Christmas tree but tends to drop its needles indoors. Native to central and southern Europe, southern Scandinavia and the Balkans. Mature tree grows to 40 metres. Introduced to Britain as early as 1548. Extensively planted as a forest tree in the eighteenth century.

Nordman Fir

Abies nordmanniana

Has become very popular as a Christmas tree because it retains its needles well. On mature trees, needles can remain alive for 26 years. Native to north-east Turkey and Caucasus Mountains. Slow growing, mature tree grows to 35 metres. First introduced to Britain in 1848.

Scots Pine

Pinus sylvestris

Scots pine has the widest natural range of any pine, growing right across northern Europe and Asia. It is fast growing, eventually reaching 30 metres, and grows well on poor sandy soils. Trees grown at Wakehurst Place are from seed sources in Scotland, known to produce compact, dense young Christmas trees.

Lodgepole Pine

Pinus contorta

Native to the Rocky Mountains, mature trees grow to 30 metres. It was introduced to the UK in 1855 and growers like its resistance to pests and its ability to grow well on poor wet soils.

See also

Christmas plants

Festive foods

More plants

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