Abies concolor (Violacea Group) 'Violacea'

RHS Plant Profile
white fir 'Violacea'

Synonyms

Abies concolor 'Glauca'
Abies 'Purpurea'

Award of Garden Merit
Conifers Trees

A large, conical evergreen tree with long, soft silvery needles that mature to pale blue-green. Produces yellow, catkin-like male flowers and small yellow-brown female flowers in the spring, followed in autumn by upward-facing cones that are grey-blue when young, later brown

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

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 Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained slightly acidic soil. Protect from cold winds. See conifer cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by grafting in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to adelgids and aphids

Diseases

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