About
A hardy, evergreen dwarf conifer that typically reaches around 1 meter in height and 60 centimeters in width within a decade. In its early years, it often has a rounded appearance before developing a central leader, which can be pruned to manage its size. Over time, the plant matures into a pyramidal form, featuring needle-like leaves that display a bright blue hue.
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, Partial shade
- 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
- Bushy
- 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
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in deep, neutral to slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun, with some shelter from cold winds. Tolerant of alkaline soils. See conifer cultivation
- Pruning
- No pruning required, if a leader forms, it may be carefully pruned out, to control growth
- Propagation
- Propagate by grafting in winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to adelgids and aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus