Tree · Pinaceae family

Korean fir

Abies koreana

Full sun to part shade in a garden 1.5–3 m × 1–2 m to −23 °C

In short a 10-second read

SunFull sun to part shade

in a garden after 10 years1.5–3 m
in the wild up to 12 m
spacing 4 m

PlantingMarch–April, September–October

WinterNo winter protection

Where to plant and how much to water

Sun, soil and water.

It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil.

Sun

Sun6 hours or more

Part shade3–6 hours

Shadeunder 3 h

Soil

acidic to neutral soil

acidicneutralalkaline

average to moistloamy

Watering

regularly until establishedat the base, not on the leavesless when it rains

Frost

−23 °C

no winter protectiongreen in winter too

How much space it takes

Mature size.

The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).

4–12 m× spread 2–5 m

Plant 4 m apart.

Reaches maturity in about 20–50 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.

Calendar

Through the year.

Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.

The year at a glance

PlantingFeeding

Now, in October: a good time for planting (container plant, root-balled).

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Planting

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

container plant: March–April, September–October; root-balled: March–April, September–October

Feeding

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May–June

Feeding

Nutrition.

Horn meal

up to 55 g/m² a year, if the soil needs it · May–June

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Pests and diseases

Common problems and what to do.

The most common problems in Central Europe. Protection is listed from the gentlest option.

Root and crown rot

disease

What you will see

Wilting, yellowing or thin needles and dying branches; the needles gradually turn from green to dull, grey and brown. Roots are brown to black and soft.

When to look

All year

How to protect

Prevention
- Do not plant in wet or waterlogged places (fir is not suited to wet sites).
- Improve the drainage of heavy soil.
- Beware of bought-in plants; they can bring a latent infection.
By hand after confirmationWith a new outbreak, remove and destroy the affected plant; replace the soil in the root zone with fresh; plant less susceptible species afterwards. There is no chemical product for gardeners.

Root and crown rotdisease · all year

What you will see

Wilting, yellowing or thin needles and dying branches; the needles gradually turn from green to dull, grey and brown. Roots are brown to black and soft.

When to look

All year

How to protect

Prevention
- Do not plant in wet or waterlogged places (fir is not suited to wet sites).
- Improve the drainage of heavy soil.
- Beware of bought-in plants; they can bring a latent infection.
By hand after confirmationWith a new outbreak, remove and destroy the affected plant; replace the soil in the root zone with fresh; plant less susceptible species afterwards. There is no chemical product for gardeners.

Quick answers.

Does Korean fir tolerate shade?

It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.

How much space does Korean fir need?

At maturity 2–5 m wide and 4–12 m tall; recommended spacing 4 m.

Root and crown rot — what can you do?

Do not plant in wet or waterlogged places (fir is not suited to wet sites). With a new outbreak, remove and destroy the affected plant; replace the soil in the root zone with fresh; plant less susceptible species afterwards. There is no chemical product for gardeners.

Sources (16) Checked 24 October 2026