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How to Care for a Noble Fir Evergreen Tree in a Container

Noble fir (Abies procera) is a large, evergreen conifer native to California and the northwestern U.S. The trees grow to more than 200 feet tall in the wild, but tend to reach only about 100 feet in cultivation. Noble fir has 1-inch-long, deeply grooved and upright needles. The needles are dark, blue-green with a silvery-white cast. Young trees are shaped like cones. Planted in an attractive container, noble fir is an excellent living Christmas tree. A prostrate form -- Abies procera 'Glauca Prostrata' -- grows only 2 feet tall and about 6 feet wide and is easier to contain in a pot. Noble fir grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 5 to 9.

Things You'll Need

  • Container
  • Potting mix
  • Fertilizer
  • Mulch
  • Spray mister
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Instructions

    • 1

      Transplant the noble fir from its original container to a container at least as large at the nursery container. A larger container is better, since noble fir trees grow fast -- 2 to 3 feet per year. Use a new container that has plenty of holes in the bottom for good drainage. Surround the tree's root ball in its new container with rich, slightly acidic potting mix.

    • 2

      Water the plant thoroughly and spread a layer of organic or decorative mulch over the top of the soil to preserve moisture. Organic mulch adds small amounts of nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.

    • 3

      Place the container in the coolest, brightest spot you can find whether you grow the tree indoors or in an outdoor container or planter. Noble fir trees like plenty of light, but do not care for excessive heat.

    • 4

      Keep the growing medium moist, but not wet. Noble fir trees are susceptible to root rot if they stand in soil that is too wet. Use a spray mister to mist the tree's foliage occasionally indoors, especially in dry environments.

    • 5

      Apply a general-purpose fertilizer or fertilizer formulated for evergreen trees. Feed the tree in the spring and follow directions on the label for proper application rates.