About

Abies koreana 'Blue Magic' is a slow-growing, upright conifer that typically reaches around 80 cm in height after a decade, adding approximately 8 cm each year. This cultivar features a compact, pyramidal form with tightly packed branches and distinctive light blue needles. It is one of the several seedlings that have undergone treatment with radioactive cobalt, leading to its vibrant blue coloration.

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, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Conifers
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in deep, neutral to slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun, with some shelter from cold winds. See conifer cultivation
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by grafting in winter
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to adelgids and aphids
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus