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Abies delavayi subsp. fansipanensis

Fansipan fir

Large, evergreen coniferous tree, growing up to 15 - 20m with pyramidal crown when young, broadly-pyramidal to rounded when mature. Bark is smooth, reddish-brown when young, later dark brown, breaking into thin, irregular plates. Young branches are reddish-brown, maturing to grey-brown, then grey. New vegetative buds are resinous, small and globular. Leaves are radially spread, dark- green, with two stomatal lines underneath, up to 3cm long. Seed cones are barrel-shaped rounded on the top, 8 - 10cm long, pale purple to blue when young. Seed bracts fully hidden.

Synonyms
Abies fansipanensis
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green White Purple Blue
Summer Green White Purple Blue Brown
Autumn Green White Brown
Winter Green White
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

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

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Pinaceae
Native to the UK
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
Vietnam

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 or by grafting.

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 affected by honey fungus.

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