Korean Fir Sapling Trees

At a Glance

• Use: Specimen tree, screening, not for hedging
• Height: Up to 15m - slow growing
• Growth: Slow. Compact, straight trunk, bushy Christmas tree shape
• Soil: Deep, slightly acidic, well-drained
• Light: Full sun
• Type: Small evergreen conifer
• Avoid: Urban pollution, exposed sites
• Species: Abies koreana
• Awards: RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Delivery: Bareroot only, Nov-March

Appearance, Growth & Uses

Korean Fir is a beautiful, slow-growing evergreen conifer that develops into an attractive screening tree with a distinctive straight trunk and bushy, compact form.
Unlike its giant relatives, Abies koreana reaches a manageable 8-15 metres at maturity, suitable for most gardens.

The attractive, dark green, glossy needles have silvery-white undersides, creating a vibrant two-tone effect when the foliage moves in the breeze.

This species has a classic Christmas tree silhouette when young, maturing into a columnar form with distinctive whorled branches. The bark becomes furrowed with age, and the growth habit remains neat and compact.

Korean Fir is prized for its ornamental purple cones, which appear upright on the branches like candles before maturing to brown and breaking apart while still on the tree.

It excels as an architectural specimen tree, providing year-round structure and evergreen interest.

Browse other large garden trees, other conifers, or our full range of trees.

Growing Conditions

• Soil: Deep, neutral to slightly acidic
• Light: Full sun preferred
• Moisture: Moist but well-drained
• Avoid: Urban pollution, very exposed sites
• Maintenance: Minimal - no pruning required
• Hardiness: Very hardy (H7)

Korean Fir thrives in deep, neutral to slightly acidic soils with good drainage and consistent moisture. It performs best in cooler climates and needs shelter from cold winds, particularly when young.
Unlike many conifers, it's sensitive to urban pollution and performs better in rural environments.

Plant in full sun for best development, though it tolerates partial shade. The slow growth rate means minimal maintenance once established.

Garden Design Ideas

Perfect for focal points in lawns, framing views, and as a backdrop and windbreak for a large flower border.

Use Korean Fir as a specimen tree in prominent positions where its architectural form can be appreciated year-round.

Create elegant evergreen groupings by planting several Korean Firs at 5-8 metre spacing.

The compact mature size is ideal for most gardens, where larger conifers would be overwhelming.

History & Trivia

Abies koreana is native to the mountains of South Korea, where it is called Gusang namu and grows in cool, moist conditions at high altitudes.

Introduced to Britain in 1905, Korean Fir quickly gained recognition for its ornamental value, enhanced by producing cones at a young age compared to other firs.

In its native habitat, Korean Fir is endangered. The slow growth rate that is so garden-friendly makes it vulnerable in the wild, where faster-growing species outcompete it.

The wood is not commercially important due to slow growth, softness, and susceptibility to rotting outdoors.