Prostrate Blue Fir

Prostrate Blue Fir (Abies procera 'Glauca Prostrata')

Prostrate Blue Fir is a low, spreading noble fir selection with layered branches and vivid steel-blue needles; its ground-hugging habit cascades over walls and slopes, adding four-season color and refined texture to cool-summer gardens.

Distinctive Features

Stiff, radially arranged blue needles create a luminous, frosted look on horizontal tiers; can be staked early to form a short leader and then trained to weep or spread for custom architecture.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun in cool climates; provide light afternoon shade where summers are hot.
• Soil: Deep, well-drained, moisture-retentive soil high in organic matter; avoid waterlogged sites.
• Water: Keep evenly moist during establishment; deep, occasional soaks in extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 7.
• Mature Size: About 1 to 2 ft tall and 6 to 10 ft wide in 10 years, spreading further with age.
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, about 5.5 to 7.0.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Blue, horizontal layers create a striking specimen in front borders and courtyards.
• Rock Garden: Low, spreading form tucks among stones and cascades over edges.
• Bank or Slope: Dense branching knits ground and highlights contours.
• Wall or Raised Bed: Drapes elegantly over retaining walls for year-round interest.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Maintain steady moisture the first 2 to 3 years; irrigate deeply in drought, allowing the surface to dry between soakings.
• Pruning: Minimal; tip lightly after candles harden to refine outline, or stake a leader if a taller form is desired.
• Fertilizing: Light spring feeding for acid-loving evergreens if growth is weak; avoid excess nitrogen.
• Mulching: Apply 2 to 3 in of shredded bark to conserve moisture, cool roots, and suppress weeds.
• Notes: Best in regions with cool summers and good air flow; protect from reflected heat and monitor for adelgids and aphids.

Why Choose Prostrate Blue Fir?

• Striking Color: Intense steel-blue needles deliver high contrast year-round.
• Ground-Hugging Habit: Natural spreader for slopes, walls, and rock gardens.
• Architectural Texture: Layered, radial needles read crisp and sculptural.
• Design Flexibility: Train to weep, mound, or cascade with simple staking.

Select Prostrate Blue Fir to add durable blue tone and elegant, low conifer structure in sunny, well-drained, cool-summer sites.