Abies alba (Abies)

History

This fir is native to the southern and central European mountains and also Byelorussia, Asia and the Caucasus Mountains. It grows at altitudes of 300-1,700 m, on mountains with a rainfall of over 1,000 mm. It also grows well in the moist valleys in Scotland.

Planting

Plant new trees in well drained soil in ealy spring or early autumn. Water the tree well before planting. Dig a hole large enough for the root ball, loosen the soil at the bottom and mix in well rotted organic material to help retain the moisture and a handful of bonemeal to encourage root growth.  Place the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, backfill, firm in carefully around the roots and water in well. This will ensure good soil and root contact, stability in windy conditions and a good start for the plant.

Propagation

Semi-ripe and ripewood cuttings and seeds.

Cultivation

Grows best in moist, but well drained, fertile soil that is neutral or slightly acidic and in sun or partial shade. It will survive in drier conditions but much prefers fresh moist, cooler climates.

Aftercare

Conifers are shallow rooted trees and so need regular watering until they become more established and during dry spells.  An application of a bark mulch will supress the weeds at the base of the tree and also help to retain moisture. Young trees may also need protection in windy areas if the roots have not yet had chance to get established. It is also important to ensure the soil is well drained in order to avoid root rot. No feeding is required for these trees as they survive quite happily on poor soils.

Pests

Aphis

Diseases

Root rot in wet conditions and Rust.

This plant is scented.

Other information

Both the buds and the bark of this tree have been used for medicinal purposes. The resin is also used in perfumery and the making of turpentine, varnish and lacquer.

Height/Spread

An evergreen conifer, which has a tall clear trunk, 1.5m in diameter and surmounted by a pyramidal crown, that grows flatter with age.  The bark is smooth, grey and scaly with resin blisters. New stems are grey/light brown and 1.8-3cm flattened, needles, with glossy dark green uppers and green/white undersides, densley cover the branches. It produces pale brown/red oval buds which are sometimes resinous and cylindrical cones which are 9-17cm long and 3-4cm wide.  The cones start off green but mature to a red/brown and contain winged seeds which are released in autumn (Sept-Oct).

Annual care

March

Apply a bark mulch at the base of the tree to supress weeds and help retain moisture in the soil.

July

Make sure the tree is well watered during dry spells.