About

Abies sibirica is a tall, evergreen conifer that can reach heights of 30 to 35 meters, featuring a conical crown. Its needles are soft and bright green, measuring 2 to 3 cm in length and 1.5 mm in width, and have two lighter stripes on the underside. The young shoots present a yellow-grey hue and are resinous. The cylindrical seed cones grow to a length of 5 to 9 cm and have a diameter of 2.5 to 3.5 cm. This species is exceptionally resilient, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -50°C, making it one of the hardiest trees available.

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
E Europe to Russian Far East, NW China

Care notes

Cultivation
Grows best in deep, slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soils. This fir grows best in cold, continental climates, in humid conditions the tree is more prone to fungal diseases. 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