Name: Abies koreana 'Cis'
Brand: Pépinière.ca
Availability: OutOfStock

Latin name

Abies koreana 'Cis'

Common name

Korean Fir 'Cis'

Type

Conifer

Family

Pinaceae

Abies koreana ‘Cis’, or dwarf Korean fir ‘Cis’, is a miniature conifer of great refinement, appreciated for its very compact, low, and naturally cushioned habit. Its dense, slightly shiny dark green foliage forms a neat plant mass that maintains a beautiful presence throughout the year. Thanks to its regular and flattened silhouette, it integrates easily into rockeries, alpine gardens, green walls, or small spaces where each plant must be chosen with precision. Even without apparent flowering, its tight texture and persistent appearance bring a discreet but very elegant structure to the garden.

Its extremely slow growth makes Abies koreana ‘Cis’ an ideal choice for sustainable, low-maintenance landscaping. It naturally maintains a low, orderly shape without requiring frequent pruning, which makes it particularly interesting for minimalist compositions, zen gardens, or decorative container plantings. Placed near natural stones, pale gravel, low-growing perennials, or other miniature conifers, it creates a subtle and refined contrast. Its compact habit also allows it to be used as a border, an accent in a flowerbed, or as a structural element in a small-scale setting.

Very hardy and well adapted to cold climates, the dwarf Korean fir ‘Cis’ prefers fresh, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil, with sunny to partial shade exposure. Regular watering during the first seasons helps promote strong root establishment, especially when grown in pots or installed in a drier rockery. Once well established, it requires very little intervention and naturally maintains its neat appearance. With its miniature size, persistent foliage, and calm, structured appearance, Abies koreana ‘Cis’ is a perfect conifer for creating an elegant, stable, and hassle-free landscape.

Care guide

Care level

Weak

Choosing this plant

Main benefit

Dwarf conifer with a compact, dense, and naturally elegant habit, ideal for small gardens and refined landscaping. Its glossy, dark green foliage, often silvery on the underside, provides fine and persistent texture year-round.

Perfect for rock gardens, alpine gardens, dwarf conifer beds, structured borders, or small contemporary designs. It can also serve as a focal point in a small garden, near an entrance, on a patio, or in a composition with low perennials and decorative stones.

Container growing

Possible in a large container, provided you use a deep, very well-drained, and frost-resistant pot. Plan for a light, slightly acidic, and never soggy substrate, with more frequent watering during hot periods. In winter, the pot must be protected from freeze-thaw cycles, as the roots are more exposed than in open ground.

Seasonal care

In spring, remove dead or damaged branches and add a thin layer of compost or a gentle coniferous fertilizer if necessary. In summer, maintain regular watering during dry periods, especially for young plants or potted specimens. In autumn, avoid late fertilization to prevent stimulating fragile growth before winter.

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone

Zone 3–7

Exposure

Sun to partial shade

Watering

Moderate. Keep the soil fresh during the first few years, especially during hot or dry periods. Avoid waterlogged soils.

Humidity

Cool, slightly damp, but not waterlogged soil.

Fertilization

Light compost application in spring

Soil type

Fresh, humus-rich, slightly acidic and well-drained

Soil pH

Acid to slightly acidic

Minimum temperature

-40°C

Propagation method

Grafting

Blooming period

Spring

Fruiting

Very rare cones, generally non-ornamental on this dwarf cultivar

Foliage color

Dark glossy green

Foliage type

Persistent

Shape

Flat, compact, and cushioned

Height

30 cm (12 in)

Width

60 cm (24 in)

Growth rate

Slow

Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants

Dwarf conifers, heathers, heucheras, miniature hostas, low ferns, fine grasses

Plants to avoid

Avoid very vigorous plants that could choke it or cast too much shade on it

Spacing

24 to 36 in. (60 to 90 cm)

Pets

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.