How to Grow Abies Koreana - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Abies koreana is a plant in the pine family. it is native to korea and northern china. it grows in mountainous areas. the leaves are evergreen and needle-like. the cones are small and round. the bark is red-brown. abies koreana is used in traditional korean medicine. it is also grown as an ornamental plant.

How to Grow Abies Koreana - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Korean fir
  • Oriental fir
  • Beijing fir
  • Japanese fir
  • Lukang fir

Basic info

  • Abies koreana is a species of fir tree from East Asia.
  • It is also known as the Korean fir, and is the national tree of South Korea.
  • It grows to a height of around 20-30 metres.
  • The leaves are dark green and glossy, and the cones are brown and cylindrical.
  • It prefers to grow in shady areas, and is often found in forested areas.
  • It is an important timber tree, and is used in construction and furniture-making.
  • It is also planted as an ornamental tree, and is popular in bonsai.
  • It is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests, including the Fir rust fungus.
  • It is native to the Korean peninsula, and is also found in parts of China and Japan.
  • The name 'koreana' means 'of Korea'.

Related plant:
Abies Nordmanniana

Growing Steps

  1. For abies koreana, first step is to sow the seed in a well-drained seed starting mix.
  2. Place the seed starting mix in a warm location.
  3. Water the seed starting mix regularly, keeping it moist but not wet.
  4. Once the seedlings emerge, transplant them into individual pots filled with a quality potting soil.
  5. Place the pots in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
  6. Water the soil regularly, allowing it to dry out slightly between waterings.
  7. Fertilize the soil with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.
  8. Once the plants are established, they can be transplanted into the garden.
  9. Abies koreana prefer a location in full sun to part shade.
  10. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods.

Related plant:
Abies Balsamea

The Soil

About soil condition, Abies koreana is best to grow in well-drained soil with a lot of organic matter. It is best to plant this tree in early spring or fall. It is not tolerant of drought or wet conditions. If the soil is too dry, the tree will not do well. If the soil is too wet, the tree may rot.

Light requirement

Not too different with other fir trees, the Korean fir requires full sun to partial sun to grow properly. It prefers well-drained, moist, acidic soil but is adaptable to a range of soil types. The tree does not tolerate wet, poorly drained soils. It is also intolerant of shade and salt.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition of the Abies Koreana is optimal for growth between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. Above 20 degrees Celsius, the growth of the tree slows down, and if the temperatures rise above 30 degrees Celsius, the tree may stop growing entirely. However, the Abies Koreana is able to withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40-50%. They will not tolerate long periods of dryness or wetness. If you live in an area with very hot summers, this plant does best if planted in a shady location.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this kind of plant prefers 5-10-5 or slow-release fertilizer during the spring and summer. However, be sure not to fertilize before or after new growth appears. Also, it is necessary to keep the root ball moist but not waterlogged. If you overwater, the roots will start to rot, and the plant will eventually die.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of maintaining a healthy Abies koreana. By removing dead or damaged branches, you allow the plant to direct its energy to new growth. It is best to prune in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of the Korean fir (Abies koreana) is most commonly done by seed. The fresh seeds should be sown in the fall in a cold frame or outdoors. Seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent location when they are 2-3 years old. The Korean fir can also be propagated by grafting or rooting semi-hardwood cuttings.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted on young, actively growing trees in plantation conditions. In one study, the average height growth rate of 12-year-old trees was found to be 66.3 cm per year, with a range of 41.2 to 93.2 cm per year. In another study, the average height growth rate of 12-year-old trees was found to be 50.8 cm per year, with a range of 36.6 to 65.0 cm per year. The average diameter growth rate of 12-year-old trees was found to be 8.0 mm per year, with a range of 5.2 to 10.8 mm per year. Abies koreana growth rates vary widely depending on the age and growing conditions of the trees. However, on average, abies koreana trees grow relatively quickly, especially when compared to other species of trees. This makes them an ideal choice for use in forestry and landscaping projects.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, aphids, and scale insects. If you notice any of these pests on your plant, you should take action to remove them. Caterpillars can be removed by hand, and aphids can be controlled with a strong spray of water. Scale insects can be more difficult to control, but there are a number of products available to control them.

List to Know

  • If you are growing your plant from a seed, make sure to start it off in a cool location.
  • Abies koreana prefers a slightly acidic soil, so if you are growing it in a pot, make sure to use an acidic potting mix.
  • Keep the soil moist but not wet.
  • If you are growing your plant indoors, make sure to give it plenty of bright light.
  • Abies koreana is a slow-growing plant, so be patient!
  • To encourage growth, you can fertilize your plant with an organic fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage bushy growth.
  • If you are growing your plant in a pot, make sure to repot it every few years to give it fresh soil.
  • Abies koreana is susceptible to pests and diseases, so be sure to check

Alternative Plants

  • Abies koreana, Korean fir, divided into subspecies including Abies koreana var. gilgiana
  • Abies veitchii, Veitch's fir, also divided into subspecies including Abies veitchii var. veitchii
  • Abies balsamea, balsam fir, also divided into subspecies including Abies balsamea var. balsamea
  • Abies cilicica, Cilician fir, also divided into subspecies including Abies cilicica var. cilicica
  • Abies pinsapo, Spanish fir, also divided into subspecies including Abies pinsapo var. pinsapo
  • Abies grandis, grand fir, also divided into subspecies including Abies grandis var. grandis
  • Abies amabilis, Pacific silver fir, also divided into subspecies including Abies amabilis var. amabilis

Source:
Abies koreana - UDBG
Abies koreana | Gardens
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Abies koreana

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Trees Category