December 19, 2024, 2:32 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
According to Statista, the most popular Christmas tree among Germans is the Nordmann fir. In second place is the blue spruce. Both are beautiful to look at and fulfill their purpose in the living room at home at Christmas. But what are the actual differences?
Green, graceful, and prickly – or maybe not? Some trees are prickly, others are fragrant. But what is it actually like with Germany’s two favorite Christmas trees? myHOMEBOOK explains the differences between Nordmann fir and blue spruce.
Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana)
Origin of the Nordmann Fir
The Nordmann fir originates from the Caucasus. But the Christmas tree in your living room this year probably comes from Denmark. According to the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union, this small country is the largest exporter of Christmas trees in Europe.
Appearance and Growth of the Nordmann Fir
“The needles of the Nordmann fir are flat, shiny, and dark green. They are soft and do not prick,” explains Sebastian Mühlemann from Bauer Baumschulen AG. For many, the Nordmann fir is the perfect Christmas tree. It grows symmetrically and evenly “with a broad, conical crown,” explains Mühlemann.
Needle Strength and Fragrance
The fir trees emit a fresh, slightly lemony scent that is particularly noticeable in living spaces, the expert explains. The expert rates the needle retention as ‘excellent.’ “Even during prolonged dry spells, the needles do not shed as quickly, making the Nordmann fir particularly low-maintenance compared to the blue spruce.”
Can the Nordmann Fir be Planted After Christmas?
If you’ve chosen a potted fir, you might be able to transplant the Nordmann fir into your garden later on, Mühlemann reveals. “This type of fir is comparatively easy to care for and can cope with different soil conditions. However, it is more sensitive to too much sun and dry, hot conditions.” The location should, therefore, be chosen appropriately.
Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)
Origin of the Blue Spruce
The blue spruce originates from North America and is “mainly native to the Rocky Mountains and the west of the USA,” adds the expert. It is particularly prized there for its blue hue.
Appearance and Growth of the Blue Spruce
“The needles of the spruce are rigid, sting clearly, and are silvery to bluish in color, which gives it its characteristic ‘blue’ look,” reveals Mühlemann. In contrast to the Nordmann fir, the blue spruce has a narrower “rather pointed” crown and grows more cylindrically.
Needle Strength and Fragrance
Compared to the Nordmann fir, the spruce is less needle-resistant, explains the expert. “The needles can fall off more quickly if there is too little water. It is, therefore, somewhat more care-intensive.” On the other hand, he describes the scent as “particularly aromatic.” It is more intense and resinous.
Can the Blue Spruce Be Planted After Christmas?
“The blue spruce favors dry, calcareous soils and shows considerable resilience to varying climatic conditions. Due to its origin in the high altitudes of the Rocky Mountains, it is adapted to cold winters,” explains Mühlemann. Due to its characteristic silvery color and the fact that there are also smaller varieties, the blue spruce is a popular tree for the garden.
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Are Blue Spruce and Blue Fir the same thing?
Definitively, yes – though it’s commonly known by an incorrect name. Colloquially, the blue spruce is often referred to as the blue fir. Yet, according to NABU, the widely recognized blue spruce is actually not a fir tree. “Botanically, the blue spruce, also known as the Norway spruce, is classified within the spruce genus (Picea),” the source states.