Pacific Silver Fir 'Spreading Star'

Abies amabilis 'Spreading Star' is a distinctive, low-growing conifer that provides excellent groundcover with a lush, architectural feel. Unlike the towering species, this cultivar has a prostrate, sprawling habit with wide-spreading horizontal branches. The needles are a beautiful deep green on top with two bright silvery-white bands underneath, creating a shimmering effect when caught by the wind. It is exceptionally hardy (H7) and thrives in the cooler, moister regions of the UK, such as Scotland and the North of England. It prefers slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soil and does not cope well with hot, dry summers or urban pollution. Slow-growing and long-lived, it eventually forms a broad, flat-topped mound. It is perfect for large rock gardens or as a specimen near water features where its needle contrast can be appreciated. While it produces small, upright cones, they are rarely seen on young garden specimens.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist, well-drained acidic soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: May.