Abies Koreana Silberlocke Korean Fir

Abies Koreana Silberlocke is an RHS AGM winning evergreen Korean fir that tolerates exposed sites and less than favourable ground. This conifer a good choice for low maintenance gardens. 

Abies Koreana is native to the mountainous regions of South Korea where it grows at 1000-2000 metre heights. Its cultivar Silberlocke (which is synonymous with Abies Koreana Horstmanns Silberlocke) is tough like its parent plant, but its size and pretty needles are more suited to UK gardens. It was bred in 1978 in Germany and has been popular ever since. The foliage of Korean Fir Silberlocke is the main event. It's a glorious silvery shade that contrasts well with other firs and evergreens. The silver effect is due to the gently curving white undersides of its otherwise green needles, as reflected in the name Silberlocke, which in English means Silver Curls.

Evergreen year-round this pretty fir tree produces large purple cones in spring which can be dried out for Christmas decorations or left for the birds.

It's no surprise this is an RHS AGM winner for its attractive colouring and tough capable nature.

Height And Spread of Abies Koreana Silberlocke
As fir trees go Korean Fir Silberlocke is a compact and slow grower, only reaching a height of 2 metres by 1 metre over 10-20 years. It grows in a traditional Christmas tree shape with perky upright branches.

How Hardy Is Abies Koreana Silberlocke
Tough and hardy Korean Fir Silberlocke can cope with harsh UK winters and hot sun. Ensure its roots are well-drained and this fir will withstand exposed spaces. It is rarely attacked by pests and drought-proof once established.

How To Use Abies Koreana Silberlocke
If you have an exposed difficult spot then Korean Fir Silberlocke is a good choice. It will fill a gap in most aspects including partial shade and full sun.

Great for year-round interest, its silver shade pairs well with dark green firs and provides a clean textured backdrop for seasonal flowers. Plant it at the back of a border or in a very well-watered pot that will contain its size. Firs provide thick, safe shelter for birds in wildlife gardens and suit low maintenance spaces.

How To Care For Abies Koreana Silberlocke
One established this Korean fir needs little maintenance. It likes full sun but will grow in partial shade. It is not fussy about soil conditions growing equally well in well-drained acid or alkaline soils. Water well until established and place a thick layer of mulch around the roots in early spring for the brightest silver shades and largest cones.