European silver fir (Abies alba)
European silver fir (Abies alba) is a conifer that can grow higher than 15m tall and 3m – 8m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant European silver fir (Abies alba).
This plant has several common names including: European silver fir, Christmas tree, silver fir, single spruce or white spruce.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 20-50 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: European silver fir, Christmas tree, silver fir, single spruce, white spruce
Scientific name: Abies alba
Plant type: Conifers, Trees
Habit: Columnar / Upright
Height: Higher than 15m
Spread: 3m – 8m
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Well drained
Garden type: Architectural
Planting type: Low Maintenance
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Other types of Abies to consider:
See all Abies
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant European silver fir (Abies alba), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
European silver fir (Abies alba) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in clay, loam or sand.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH acid or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Abies alba likes to grow in moist but well drained or well drained soils.
Sunlight
European silver fir (Abies alba) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing European silver fir (Abies alba) – image source
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