About
Abies forrestii is a sizable conifer characterized by its conical shape and open structure in its juvenile stage. The tree features smooth, silvery-grey bark, while the new growth displays reddish-brown shoots adorned with white, resinous buds. Its short needles, measuring up to 3 cm in length and 2.5 mm in width, are densely clustered around each shoot, presenting a dark green upper surface and a silvery-white underside. The seed cones are ovoid-cylindrical, ranging from 8 to 15 cm in length, initially blue and featuring prominent bracts.
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
- H7
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
- W China
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
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to adelgids and aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to honey fungus