Abies are evergreen conifers with long narrow leaves, borne in whorls on the branches. They are best grown in full sun, planted in a moist, fertile soil with good drainage. Most Abies are long lived, and some species can reach heights above 60m.
Abies balsamea, one of the much smaller and shorter-lived species, comonly used as a Christmas tree. It has has dense, fresh green needle-like leaves, an attractive grey bark, scented resin and bears cylindrical cones that are purplish in colour.
Grow Abies balsamea in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Water regularly during hot dry weather.
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant
yes
yes
yes
Abies and wildlife
Abies has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
