Coniferous Shrubs

Abies koreana 'Aurea'

Golden Korean Fir

PinaceaeSouth Korea

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height3–6 feet (90–180 cm)
Width3–5 feet (90–150 cm)
Maturity12 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 7
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Abies koreana 'Aurea' is a slow-growing evergreen conifer reaching 3–6 feet (90–180 cm) tall with a spread of 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) over 10–15 years, substantially smaller than the species A. koreana which reaches 15–30 feet (4.5–9 m). The crown is broadly conical to irregular. Needles are 0.4–0.7 inch (1–1.8 cm) long, flat, emerging vivid yellow in spring and gradually transitioning to yellow-green by late summer; white stomatal bands are visible on the undersurface. Violet-purple upright cones, 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) long, appear on plants as young as 3–5 years, an earlier cone-bearing age than most fir cultivars. Cones disintegrate on the tree in autumn. Foliage color is most intense in full sun; plants in shade produce lime-green to green needles with reduced color. Summer heat above 85°F (29°C) causes needle scorch and tip dieback within 1–2 seasons in regions with hot, humid summers.

Native Range

Abies koreana is native to South Korea, occurring in subalpine forests on Jeju Island (Hallasan) and in the Taebaek and Sobaek mountain ranges at elevations of 3,300–6,200 feet (1,000–1,900 m). The 'Aurea' cultivar was developed through horticultural selection and does not occur in wild populations.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen or accent in rock gardens, mixed conifer borders, and foundation plantings at 4–6 foot (1.2–1.8 m) spacing. Suitable for containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L) with excellent drainage; container specimens require more frequent watering in summer than in-ground plantings. Not suited to hot-summer climates, poorly drained soils, or sites with heavy air pollution.

How to Identify

Abies koreana 'Aurea' is distinguished from the species A. koreana by yellow to yellow-green needle color rather than dark green. Distinguished from other yellow-foliaged conifers by the combination of flat, notch-tipped needles with white stomatal bands and upright violet-purple cones 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) long. The needles are arranged radially around the shoot with a parted appearance on the upper surface. As with all Abies, cones disintegrate in place, leaving a persistent central spike.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread3' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red
violet
purple

Foliage Colors

yellow
yellow green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Male strobili are small and reddish, releasing pollen in April–May. Female cones form upright, violet-purple at pollination, ripening to brown over summer and reaching 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) long by August. Cones disintegrate on the tree in September–October, leaving a persistent central rachis. Cone production begins on plants as young as 3–5 years of age.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

reddish (male strobili); violet-purple (cones)

Foliage Description

yellow in spring, yellow-green in summer; white stomatal bands below

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10–15 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0–6.5) with consistent moisture. Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established plants tolerate brief dry intervals of 7–10 days. Chronic drought causes progressive needle browning and branch dieback within 2–3 years. Full sun maintains the most intense yellow foliage color; shade produces lime-green to green needles. In climates with summers regularly above 85°F (29°C), needle scorch and tip dieback occur; the cultivar performs better in cool-summer climates including the Pacific Northwest, upper Midwest, and northern New England. Air pollution tolerance is moderate. No routine fertilization is required in amended soils.

Pruning

No routine pruning is required. The slow growth rate and naturally compact form do not require shaping. Remove dead or damaged branches in late spring after new growth has hardened. The central leader should not be cut; its removal results in a multi-stemmed form that does not restore a pyramidal leader. Avoid pruning in late summer or fall when wounds close slowly.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic