Conifer Database - Barabits Compact

Abies nordmanniana ‘Barabits Compact’

Abies nordmanniana 'Barabit's Compact' is a slow-growing evergreen conifer shrub with green foliage. The cultivar features glossy texture and grows well with sun to mostly sun light conditions and occasional watering, once established. The cultivar will grow well in acidic, average, rich and well-drained soil.

The compact growth on this attractive Nordmann fir is light-green when new, darkening to a rich, glossy green in summer. The slow, compact growth and dense branch structure make it a choice dwarf fir. Synonyms include Barabits Compact Caucasian Fir, and Barabits Compact Nordmann Fir.

Abies nordmanniana 'Barabit's Compact' was discovered by Elemer Barabits of Sopron, Hungary and registered in 1975. The Nordmann fir grows wider than tall, never needs pruning, and is recommended for a rockery or as a specimen tree.

Mr. Barabit was a forestry engineer living in Hungary who found and described over 200 cultivars of conifer brooms. Most of his heritage is found outside of Hungary in places like Holland and Belgium, then coming here to the USA. Mr. Barabit gave away his findings to friends who took them to other countries that propagated these gems.