About

A distinctive blue-grey conifer that functions effectively as a low-growing ground cover.

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
South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Conifers
Habit
Matforming
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Architectural

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained slightly acidic soil. Spreads with age. See conifer cultivation
Pruning
No pruning required, except for removal of occasional vertical shoots
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