Species momi fir
A tree with a brown trunk and brown branches filled with green leaves.

momi fir

Abies firma

Momi Fir (Abies Firma) is an incredible coniferous tree native to Japan that grows best in cool, moist climates. It is an evergreen conifer, meaning it has beautifully soft needles that don't fall off each winter and offer a cozy, wintery feel to any garden. The Momi Fir can reach heights of up to 45 feet, and with its dense, compact shape, it provides a wonderful privacy and wind-protectant barrier for any home. Its bark is mottled silvery-gray and its needles range from a dark blue-green to silvery-blue. It is a great option for container gardens, as it is relatively slow growing and can be pruned to maintain size and shape. Its beauty, hardiness, and adaptability make the Momi Fir an amazing ornamental tree.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 9

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Momi Fir should be watered once per week, thoroughly soaking the soil around the root zone once per week. Be sure to check the top 2-3" of soil for dryness before performing any additional waterings as the fir is vulnerable to root rot when over watered. During hot summer days, supplement waterings with occasional misting of the foliage to raise the humidity level around the fir. In the winter months, waterings can decrease as the plant’s growth slows.

sunlight

Momi fir plants require 6–7 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to thrive. The best time to provide sunlight is from mid-morning to early afternoon, as the sun's rays are the strongest during these hours and will provide the most energy for the plant. If the plant is placed in a spot that receives less than 6 hours of sun per day, it should be supplemented with artificial light. Additionally, the amount of sunlight can vary between seasons, so it's important to adjust the amount of direct sunlight that the species receives depending on the season.

pruning

Momi Fir (Abies firma) should be pruned during late winter or early spring. This species requires undergoing severe pruning regularly to keep its shape. The aim of this pruning is to allow clearance for buildings to make protective barriers, and to maintain the shape of the crown, thinning the middle of it in order to allow light and airflow freely throughout the foliage. The amount that should be pruned will depend on the size of the tree and its purpose. It is best to remove no more than 1-third of the foliage at any given time in order to avoid shock to the tree. If the tree is being pruned for clearance purposes it is common to remove the lower branches as these can be the most hazardous. Additionally, it is recommended to remove dead and damaged branches, as well as any overly dense or irregular growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Abies firma typically starts flowering in May.

Hardiness Map