BBC Gardeners' World

Plant details

• Common Name: Korean fir
• Genus: Abies
• Species: koreana
• Cultivar: 'Silberlocke'
• Skill Level: beginner
• Exposure: full sun, partial shade
• Hardiness: hardy
• Soil type: boggy, chalky/alkaline, well-drained/light
• Height: 6m
• Spread: 10m
• Time to take cuttings: May to July
• Time to plant seeds: February to April

The Korean fir is a slow-growing conifer, especially the variety 'Silberlocke.' It is often planted as a dwarf, however, it will eventually reach quite a height. The cylindrical, tapering blue or purple upright cones are a well-known feature, together (in this variety) with an overall silvery-white appearance from the upturned leaves. Best grown as a specimen tree, or in a bed surrounded while small with ornamental grasses and ground-hugging callunas, especially those with coloured foliage. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).