Abies koreana Samling - Korean Fir

Abies koreana 'Samling' is a variety of Korean fir with small size and slow growth that has a typical fir habit, pyramidal and regular, very dense. Its foliage consists of short, shiny, non-prickly needles, bright green on the top, showing 2 white lines on the underside. In spring, its light green shoots come alive with purple buds that develop into upright cones of a beautiful size, also purple. This variety is well suited for ornamental use in small gardens. The Korean fir likes moist, fertile, well-drained, sandy or loamy, non-chalky soils. 

The Korean fir, Abies koreana, is a conifer of the pinaceae family native to the mountains of southern 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 'Samling' variety grows very slowly, with a growth rate of about 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) per year. Ultimately, the plant measures approximately 5 m (16ft) in height and 3 m (10ft) in width. This fir tree develops numerous branches arranged in dense tiers. Flat, very fine and flexible soft needles, shiny on top and measuring 2-3 cm (1in), grow on its branches. Its velvety spring buds contrast with its bright green foliage, and beautiful upright purple cones, reaching a height of 7 cm (3in), appear on mature specimens. 

Abies koreana 'Samling' can be placed alone or in groups of 3, on a lawn or in a large rockery. Its perfect fir tree silhouette fits well with contemporary or more classic decorations. The architectural qualities of dwarf conifers deserve to be invited more often into our gardens, as they provide a permanent structure. These are rather discreet plants in summer and stand out again in winter, when flowering is rare. They mark pathways, border terraces, and adorn the corner of a large shrub border. To accompany the Korean fir 'Samling', choose, for example, a ground cover conifer like Juniperus Blue Carpet, or a variety that forms a ball like Pinus mugo Varella. Grasses complement conifers very well with their form. Think of Stipa tenuifolia, Pennisetum Hameln Gold, or Miscanthus Aperitiv, for example.