Korean fir Abies koreana in the ground
Korean fir needles Abies Koreana
Purple pine cones Abies koreana
Male cones Abies koreana
Trunk Abies koreana Korean fir
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Abies koreana, the Korean fir tree
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
When we think of South Korea, we often think of spicy food, K-pop or dramas... But rarely of fir trees! Yet the mountains of southern Korea are home to a spectacular tree: the Abies koreana, also known as the Korean fir. With its silvery sheen and elegant appearance, it has everything it takes to become the star of your garden.
How to recognize Abies koreana?
Abies koreana is an evergreen tree with a pyramidal habit. In the wild, this conifer can reach 18 meters in height, but dwarf varieties such as 'Compact Dwarf' or 'Prostata' are readily available in garden centers.
Thesmooth, grey-brown bark is studded with resin-filled blisters.
The needles, one to two centimetres long and one to two millimetres wide, areshiny dark green on top, while the underside has two white stripes that give the leaves a silvery sheen. But don't let the color of the needles tell you whether your tree is an Abies koreana or a Sitka spruce Picea sitchensis)! In fact, the Korean fir has given rise to numerous cultivars with golden (Abies koreana 'Aurea'), white (Abies koreana 'Silverblocke or 'Silversnow') or even blue (Abies koreana 'Blue Emperor') foliage.
The cones, on the other hand, are highly recognizable! While the males remain rather discreet, the pine cones do not go unnoticed. These upright cylindrical cones, which measure up to seven centimetres, are an intense violet-blue when young.
Abies koreana is not toxic if ingested. You can grow it in your garden, in pots or as a hedge, without risk. What's more, as its needles don't sting, they pose no danger to your pets or when handling it.
Our maintenance tips
Consider the growth of your Korean fir before planting it. The largest specimens exceed several dozen meters in height and should therefore be installed where they won't get in anyone's way.
Watering
Let the soil dry on the surface between two applications of water. Water your Korean fir with non-calcareous water, such as reclaimed rainwater. To avoid water stress, make sure the water is at room temperature.
If you use a saucer or planter, remove any water that stagnates at the bottom. It could rot the roots.
Spray
In nature, abies koreana benefits from high humidity. Indoors, the air is too dry for them. To remedy this, spray the foliage with rainwater at room temperature.
Fogging also combats attacks by mites and red spiders.
Repotting
Choose a pierced terracotta pot. This material ensures more uniform evaporation of water and prevents root rot. The container should be deep so as not to topple under the weight of the plant and allow your Abies koreana to grow. Gravel or clay balls can be placed at the bottom to improve drainage.
Pour in a layer of rich potting soil, such as potting soil for acid-loving plants. Plant your Abies koreana. The root ball should be three to five centimetres below the edge to form a watering trough. Add potting soil.
Press down and water until the water runs off through the drainage holes to encourage rooting.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Abies koreana, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Fertilize your Korean fir with a conifer fertilizer once a month. Follow the dosage and manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging the foliage.
Prune
Your Korean fir does not need pruning. On the contrary, pruning could be detrimental to its growth.
You can, however, remove dead branches in early summer using a clean, sharp tool, such as pruning shears.
Plantation
Soak your Korean fir to rehydrate the root ball.
Meanwhile, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. Plant your Korean fir. The rootball should be level with the soil. Fill in with a mixture of garden soil and universal potting compost. You can add fertilizer if your soil is poor.
Press down and water thoroughly to help the plant take root.
Seedling
Your seeds are more likely to germinate if you stratify them cold.
Fill an airtight bag (e.g. A freezer bag) with potting soil for seedlings and plantations. Moisten the substrate. Bury your seeds in the potting soil, close the bag and place it in a place where the temperature is between 0 and 5°C for three weeks (refrigerator, garage).
Check your seeds regularly to make sure the potting soil stays moist and doesn't rot. As soon as a seed germinates, you can plant it.
Pour seedling and planting soil into cups. Plant your seed a centimetre deep. Spray the substrate to moisten it.
Place your seedlings in a bright spot where the temperature does not exceed 15°C.
Diseases / Threats
Information
| Family | Pinaceae - Pinaceae |
| Type | Abies - Abies |
| Species | Korean fir - Abies koreana |
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Exposure | |
| Substrats | |
| Planting methods |
Open ground In pots In tubs |
| Category | |
| Tags |
Beginner Rustic |
| Origin |
Southeast Asia |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 6b |
| Leaf color |
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| Fruit colors |
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