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Golden Korean Fir (Abies koreana ‘Aurea’)

Golden Korean Fir (Abies koreana ‘Aurea’)

Also known as: Abies koreana 'Aurea'.

The Golden Korean Fir has stunning golden-green foliage and soft pink cones make it a majestic wonder to behold. This evergreen tree grows quickly and is remarkably tough and resistant to brittleness. Its branches form a distinctive cone shape that gives it a modern, contemporary look. Its needles are soft and full of pleasant aroma. This amazing specimen requires minimal maintenance and is an ideal focal point for landscaping and garden design. Its unique foliage, easy upkeep and attitude of durability make it a stunning and reliable addition to any garden.

Interesting facts about the Golden Korean Fir:

  1. Distinctive Golden Foliage: The most notable characteristic of the Golden Korean Fir is its beautiful golden-yellow foliage. The needles have a luminous quality, especially when they catch the sunlight, making this tree highly prized for its ornamental value in gardens and landscapes.
  2. Compact and Slow Growing: Unlike its parent species, the Golden Korean Fir grows much more slowly and remains relatively compact. This makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or for use in landscape design where space is limited or where a smaller accent plant is desired.
  3. Unique Cones at a Young Age: One fascinating aspect of this fir is its ability to produce cones at a very young age compared to other fir species. These cones are initially purple, creating a striking contrast against the golden foliage, and turn brown as they mature.
  4. Origin and Cultivation: The ‘Aurea’ cultivar was specifically developed for its unique coloration and growth habits. It originated from a mutation of the Korean Fir (Abies koreana), which is native to the higher mountain regions of South Korea.
  5. Tolerant of Various Soil Types: The Golden Korean Fir is adaptable to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils. Its adaptability makes it a versatile choice for different garden settings.
  6. Cold Hardy: Despite its delicate appearance, the Golden Korean Fir is quite hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures. This resilience makes it suitable for gardens in regions with cold winters.
  7. Use in Bonsai Culture: Due to its slow growth and compact size, the Golden Korean Fir is an excellent candidate for bonsai cultivation. Its unique golden foliage and the ability to produce cones at a young age make it a particularly attractive choice for bonsai enthusiasts.

Plant care guide:

Watering

Golden Korean Fir should be watered once a week in the summer and every other week during the winter. For hot and dry days , add more water as needed. Make sure to thoroughly water the plant until the excess moisture drains through the pot's drainage holes. Do not allow the plant to sit in water for too long, as this can cause the roots to rot. During the growing season, April through October, the soil should remain moist but never soggy.

Sunlight

Golden Korean Fir plants require full sun for optimal growth, ideally receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day during the growing season. They are not particularly fussy about the strength of the sunlight and will benefit from morning, midday and afternoon light. During the summer months, it is best to provide the plant with some protection from the heat of the afternoon sun to avoid damage to the foliage.

Pruning

The Golden Korean Fir should be pruned when new growth has stopped and no sooner than the end of June in climates with hot and dry summers. Pruning should consist of light trimming of the outer branches and shape the tree as desired. After the main branches have been shaped, more detailed pruning may be done by cutting the side shoots to maintain a compact and dense form. This will help to develop a dense framework and keep the tree looking tidy and balanced.

Plant information:

  • Family: Pinaceae
  • Type: Tree
  • Height: ~6.1 meters
  • Cycle: Perennial
  • Growth Rate: Low
  • Anatomy:
    • Trunk: brown
    • Branches: brown
    • Leaves: green, yellow-green, silver-yellow-green
    • Twigs: silver-brown, white-silver
    • Cones: violet-purple
  • Flower Color: Non-flowering
  • Maintenance: Moderate
  • Care Level: Medium
  • Watering:
    • Every 7-10 days
  • Sunlight requirement: Full sun, part shade
  • Pruning:
    • June, May
  • Propagation: Cutting, Grafting Propagation, Layering Propagation, Seed Propagation, Air Layering Propagation
  • Pest Susceptibility: Aphids, Adelgids, Blight, Needle cast, Caterpillar, Cutworm, Root rot, Rust, Pest resistant, Disease resistant, Deer resistant, Drought resistant
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Origin: North and South Korea
  • Seeds: No
  • Drought Tolerant: No
  • Salt Tolerant: No
  • Thorny: No
  • Invasive: No
  • Tropical: No
  • Indoor: No
  • Flowers: Yes
  • Cones: Yes
  • Fruits: No
  • Edible Fruit: No
  • Leaf: Yes
  • Edible Leaf: No
  • Cuisine: No
  • Medicinal: No
  • Poisonous to Humans: No
  • Poisonous to Pets: No
Hardiness Zone Map
Plant Hardiness Zone: 6

Sources & more information:

Content is based on public databases such as the KEW Plants of the World database, among others. Please double-check all information. "About Plants" does not take responsibility for any inaccuracies.