Overview
Abies densa is a columnar upright conifers in the genus Abies, part of the Pinaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Abies densa grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include architectural and low maintenance.
About
Abies densa, the Bhutan fir, is a conifer species in the family Pinaceae. It is sometimes included in the East Himalayan fir (A. spectabilis) as a variety. It is a tree up to 30–40 (sometimes to 60) m, with trunk diameters sometimes reaching 2.5 m. The bark is breaking to thick angular plates, the branchlets light grayish-yellow when young, later grayish-brown to gray. In the wild it grows across Assam, East Himalaya, Myanmar, Nepal and Tibet. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for architectural and low maintenance. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects. Grows best in deep, moist but well-drained, slightly acidic soils in cool, humid conditions with high rainfall. See conifer cultivation.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Abies densa
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Abies
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Abies densa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conifers, Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Abies densa
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to adelgids and aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Abies densa?
Abies densa prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Abies densa need?
Abies densa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Abies densa hardy in the UK?
Abies densa has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Abies densa?
Propagate by seed.
More in the Abies genus
- Abiesfir
- Abies alba 'Fastigiata'
- Abies balsameabalsam fir
- Abies balsamea 'Prostrata'
- Abies borisii-regisKing Boris fir
- Abies cephalonica 'Meyer's Dwarf'Greek fir 'Meyer’s Dwarf'
- Abies cilicicaCilician fir
- Abies delavayi 'Green Giant'
