About

Abies delavayi subsp. fansipanensis is a substantial evergreen conifer that can reach heights of 15 to 20 meters. In its youth, it develops a pyramidal form, transitioning to a broader, rounded shape as it matures. The bark starts as smooth and reddish-brown, eventually turning dark brown and fracturing into thin, uneven plates. Young branches exhibit a reddish-brown hue, maturing into grey-brown and finally grey tones. The new vegetative buds are small, globular, and coated in resin. The leaves are arranged radially, displaying a dark green color with two distinct stomatal lines on the underside, measuring up to 3 centimeters in length. The seed cones are barrel-shaped, rounded at the apex, measuring between 8 to 10 centimeters long, and appear pale purple to blue during their early stages. The seed bracts remain completely concealed within the cone.

About the genus

Abies are evergreen coniferous trees that can reach significant heights. They feature whorled branches that support narrow, flattened leaves, typically having a whitish underside. The upper branches produce substantial cones that disintegrate while still attached to the tree.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Plant type

Conifers, Trees

Habit

Columnar upright

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

Higher than 12 metres

Spread

4-8 metres

Time to full height

20-50 years

Suggested uses

Architectural, City and courtyard gardens

Native to

Vietnam

Care notes

Cultivation

Grows best in deep, slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soils in cooler climates. See conifer cultivation

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by grafting.

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to adelgids and aphids

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to honey fungus