Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Abies koreana 'Silberzwerg'
Silberzwerg Korean Fir
- Family
- Pinaceae
- Height
- 3 ft to 5 ft
- Width
- 2 ft to 3 ft
- Flower color
- Violet upright cones maturing to brown
- Foliage color
- Silvery blue green needles with bright white undersides
- Bloom time
- Spring
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune selectively only as needed to maintain shape and remove damaged branches
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 7
- Wildlife
- Songbirds and small mammals feed on seeds
About this plant
Abies koreana 'Silberzwerg' features short, blue-green needles with silvery undersides that curve upward along the branches, creating a dense evergreen canopy. The finely layered branching gives the plant a sculptural quality, while fresh spring growth emerges with lighter tones that add depth and seasonal contrast. Upright violet-purple female cones and yellow pollen cones appear in spring that remain ornamental as they mature. The persistent foliage provides texture and structure in every season.
Derived from a species native to the mountains of South Korea, this cultivar was selected in Europe for its refined form and ornamental character. Its intricate branching and colorful cones make it especially appealing in conifer collections, rock gardens, and specimen plantings, where year-round texture and subtle seasonal changes can be appreciated.
Works well in
Foundation Plantings · Rock Gardens · Specimen Plants · Borders
Companion plants
Daylily · Ninebark · Coral bells · Switch grass · Creeping phlox · Bearded iris
Design tip
Feature this conifer where its refined branching and distinctive silhouette can serve as a focal point within the planting. Balance its intricate texture with broader foliage and repeated evergreen forms to create depth, rhythm, and a cohesive year-round landscape.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at The Oregon Garden.
