About
Abies guatemalensis is an evergreen conifer and represents the southernmost fir species. In its first year, the young branches exhibit a reddish-brown hue, which transitions to grey as they mature. The tree features dark green, glossy needles that can reach lengths of up to 5 cm and widths of 2 mm, arranged in two rows along the shoots. The vegetative buds are ovoid and contain resin. When young, the seed cones display a purple-blue color, eventually ripening to a deep brown-purple.
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
- Mexico to Honduras
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.