shrub

Rochester White Fir

Abies concolor 'Rochester'

Add To My Plant List

 
Rochester White Fir (Abies concolor 'Rochester') at Lurvey Garden Center

Rochester White Fir

Rochester White Fir

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Rochester White Fir (Abies concolor 'Rochester') at Lurvey Garden Center

Rochester White Fir foliage

Rochester White Fir foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  7 feet

Spread:  6 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  3

Other Names:  Silver Fir, Concolor Fir, Colorado Fir

Description:

A compact conical form of the popular white fir with needles emerging yellow-green setting it off nicely against the bluish-white older foliage, makes an excellent addition to the garden for all-season color; avoid hot or dry, windy sites

Ornamental Features

The Rochester White 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 chartreuse in spring. The needles are highly ornamental and remain silvery blue throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

The Rochester White 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. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.

The Rochester White Fir is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Mass Planting
  • Hedges/Screening
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

The Rochester White Fir will grow to be about 7 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 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 60 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 type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Massing  Screening  Garden 
Applications
Foliage Color  Plant Form  Winter Value 
Ornamental Features