Abies sibirica

RHS Plant Profile
Siberian fir

Synonyms

Abies pichta

Conifers Trees

An evergreen, coniferous tree up to 30 - 35 metre high, with conical crown. Needles are soft to touch, bright green with two pale stripes on the underside, 2-3cm long and 1.5mm wide. Young shoots are yellow-grey and resinous. Seed cones are cylindrical, 5-9cm long and 2.5-3.5cm in diameter. Surviving temperatures down to -50°C, this is one of the most hardy trees.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
E Europe to Russian Far East, NW China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in deep, slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soils. This fir grows best in cold, continental climates, in humid conditions the tree is more prone to fungal diseases. 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