About
Pseudotsuga menziesii, the Douglas fir, is a fast-growing, large, evergreen conifer of conical habit. The bark becomes thick and rugged with age; linear, dark-green leaves are two-ranked. Cones to 10 cm long have conspicuous, protruding, three-pointed bracts. One of the world's most important timber trees and a magnificent specimen conifer for a large, well-drained, sunny garden.
About the genus
Pseudotsuga are large, evergreen conifers with leathery, linear leaves and conspicuous cones with three-pointed bracts projecting between the cone-scales. The Douglas fir is one of the most important commercial timber trees in the world.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full heightMore than 50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toN America, Mexico
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained, non-chalky soil in full sun
PruningRequires little pruning. Remove competing leaders on young trees
PropagationPropagate by seed sown fresh in containers in a cold frame in late winter
Pest resistanceDouglas fir adelgids may occur
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free