Plant, Tree & Shrub Library

Other Names:  Subalpine Fir, Alpine Fir

Brand:  Monrovia

Description:

A compact silvery-blue version of this Rocky Mountain native, ideal for bringing a splash of color to the garden; has a very slow growing pyramidal shape

Ornamental Features

Dwarf Blue Rocky Mountain Fir is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has attractive silvery blue evergreen foliage which emerges light green in spring. The needles are highly ornamental and remain silvery blue throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Dwarf Blue Rocky Mountain Fir is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Dwarf Blue Rocky Mountain Fir is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Dwarf Blue Rocky Mountain Fir will grow to be about 8 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided. This is a selection of a native North American species.