China Fir 'Glauca'

'Glauca' is a stunning blue-leaved version of the China Fir. It is an exotic-looking conifer that features large, stiff, lance-shaped needles that are a beautiful glaucous blue-green. The needles are spirally arranged on the branches, giving the tree a somewhat prehistoric and highly architectural appearance. It eventually grows into a medium to large-sized tree with a pyramidal habit. One of its unique features is its bark, which peels away in long strips to reveal a reddish-brown underlayer. In the UK, it is hardy but prefers a site that is sheltered from the coldest, most drying winds, which can cause the foliage to turn brown in winter. It thrives in a moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Because its old needles can persist on the branches for some time, it has a rugged, slightly wild look. It is a fantastic choice for a large garden where a unusual, blue-toned specimen is desired as a focal point.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, acidic to neutral soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.