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Abies fargesii

Farges fir

A columnar, evergreen conifer tree with finely flaky, pale-brown bark. Year-old shoots are dark purple, with purple conical buds. Dark green needles are 2.5cm long and spread below and point forwards above each shoot. Seed cones up to 9cm long and 4cm wide are bluish purple when young, maturing to purplish-brown with protruding bracts.

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Purple
Summer Green Brown
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Pinaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Abies are evergreen conifers, often very tall, with whorled branches bearing flattened, linear leaves, often whitish beneath, and on the upper branches, large cones which break up whilst attached to the tree

Name status

Correct

Plant range
N & C China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in deep, slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soils in cooler climates. See conifer cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to adelgids and aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to honey fungus.

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