Korean Fir ( Abies koreana ) is popular in cooler climates as an ornamental tree in private gardens and parks. Its ornamental value comes from its coned Christmas tree shape and its most memorable feature for most; its young purple-blue cones. The species as its name implies is native to South Korea, where it is called ‘gusang namu’.
Most Fir trees do not require much maintenance in regard to pruning and this beauty can definitely add some elegance and colour to any garden setting. It also has the added bonus of a lovely Fir scent.
Growth
Abies koreana grows from 9 to 18 metres, with a spread of up to 2 metres and is a slow growing species. The Korean Firs needles are 1-2 cm’s in length and are a bright green with an almost silvery colour underneath. Unlike many Firs, the Abies koreana can develop its purple blue coloured cones when it is only 1-2 metres tall.
This species is one of the hardier varieties for temperate climates but does best in its native climate where it is tolerant of temperatures down to a freezing -28°C. South Korean temperatures can get up to 25-30°C during summer – however this is also their rainy season. Abies koreana does not thrive in humid, tropical regions.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Pinaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold – Temperate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-28 to 30°C / -18 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil must be well draining. Suitable for most types of soil but does not like boggy or clay soils that retain moisture.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 10-18 metres (30-60 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 2-5 metres (6-16 feet)
pH:
4.5-6.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen, slow growing.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Wind Pollinated – Monoecious (both male and female cones are found on the same tree)
MATURITY:
10-20 years
GERMINATION RATES:
55-85% dependent on length of cold stratification period.
GERMINATION TIME:
Cold stratification for 3-4 months, post sowing germination from 3-6 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 100
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Fir needles can be used to make tea.
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT ABIES KOREANA (Korean Fir)
The Korean Fir is a popular ornamental in cooler climates as cones are produced by trees as small as 1-2 metres tall.
In the wild the Korean Fir is considered endangered and is apparently not far off being listed as critically endangered.
