Korean Fir 'Silberlocke'

Korean Fir Silberlocke (Abies koreana 'Silberlocke') is one of the most recognisable and striking conifer cultivars. It earned its name (which translates as 'silver curl') thanks to the unique shape of its needles.

The most important trait of 'Silberlocke' is its strongly inward-curled needles. Because the underside of each needle has bright white-silver stripes, this curling makes the whole tree look as if it were covered in frost or snow, even at the height of summer. The needles are soft to the touch and not at all prickly.

Appearance and growth

• Crown shape: Broadly conical, often with several leaders, which gives the tree a picturesque look.
• Growth rate: Slow. The annual increment is about 10–12 cm.
• Size: At 10 years of age the tree reaches a height of 1.2–1.5 m. Mature specimens can grow to 4–5 metres, but this takes decades.
• Cones: As with many Korean firs, they appear very early. The violet-blue cones grow vertically upwards, creating a wonderful contrast with the silvery needles.