Grand fir (Abies grandis)

Grand fir (Abies grandis) is a conifer that can grow higher than 15m tall and wider than 8 metres wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Grand fir (Abies grandis).
This plant has several common names including: grand fir or giant fir.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 20-50 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: grand fir, giant fir
Scientific name: Abies grandis
Plant type: Conifers, Trees
Habit: Columnar / Upright
Height: Higher than 15m
Spread: Wider than 8 metres
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: Architectural
Planting type: Low Maintenance
Seasonal colors
Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
---|---|---|---|---|
Spring | ||||
Summer | ||||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |

How to plant Grand fir (Abies grandis) – Crusier, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Grand fir (Abies grandis), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Grand fir (Abies grandis) is a plant that adapts to all types of soils, chalk, clay, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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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 grandis likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.
Sunlight
Grand fir (Abies grandis) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.

Cultivation profiles – Growing Grand fir (Abies grandis) – image source