Abies koreana Cis - Korean Fir

Abies koreana 'Cis' is a dwarf variety of Korean fir, forming a small and very neat cushion, covered with dark green and shiny needles, attracting attention. In spring, its small brown and prominent buds at the end of the branches bring colour to the foliage. With its very slow growth and small size, it is perfect for small gardens, rockeries or containers, in well-drained, moist soil, sheltered from scorching sun.

The Korean fir is a conifer of the pine family, native only to the mountains of the extreme south of Korea. This small conifer reaches a height of 6 to 9 m (20 to 29ft) in its natural environment and has a compact habit. The 'Cis' variety represents a miniature of this species, it was selected in the Netherlands in 1989. It will not exceed 30 cm (12in) in all directions, after many years of cultivation, as it only grows by 3 cm (1in) per year. It has a compact habit, initially round, then more spreading, and forms a small cushion, made up of branches on which very fine and flexible needles are flatly implanted, very dark green and shiny on the top. Its small spring buds crown its dark green foliage with brown velvet, and pretty erect purplish cones appear on mature subjects.

Abies koreana 'Cis' is ideal for container cultivation on a terrace or in small gardens thanks to its slow growth and small size. With its dense cushion-like silhouette, not requiring pruning, it will work well in rockeries, especially if planted in groups of 3. The architectural qualities of dwarf conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes and textures over flowers. The strong personality of these sculptural plants shapes a flowerbed, marks paths, and borders the terrace. Associate them with roses, peonies, or tousled grasses which, in return, will highlight their intensity. They can also be accompanied by ground cover plants such as aubrietas or cerastiums, and flowering shrubs. The key is to play with volumes and colours.