Description
Abies lasiocarpa arizonica – Rocky Mountain subalpine fir
Quality: 2/2 P
Short description: The Rocky Mountain subalpine fir from the Rocky Mountains is one of the bluest fir species of all – its silvery blue-grey needles are unmistakable and an eye-catcher all year round. Its slow, compact growth and uniform conical shape make it an ideal specimen tree for rock gardens, alpine plantings and smaller gardens. Upright cones in violet-blue complete the decorative overall appearance.
Climatic characteristics & site conditions: As a mountain tree of the Rocky Mountains, the Rocky Mountain subalpine fir is extremely hardy (down to –35 °C) and ideally suited to all elevations in southern Germany. It prefers acidic, well-drained and moderately dry soils – it tolerates moist, waterlogged or calcareous sites poorly. It feels most at home in the higher elevations of the Black Forest, Allgäu and Bavarian Forest. In humid, warm lowlands it suffers from heat stress and fungal diseases.
Advantages: Exceptional silvery-blue needles, extremely hardy, compact slow growth, decorative cones, ideal for alpine gardens and higher elevations.
Disadvantages: Unsuitable for warm and humid lowlands, no calcareous or waterlogged soils, slow growth, rare in trade, non-native.
