Plants of Merit: Golden spreader Caucasian fir

Published 12:01 am Thursday, October 20, 2011

WHAT: Golden spreader Caucasian fir, a type of abies nordmanniana, is a stunning dwarf conifer.

Darker green in the summer, this diminutive fir tree turns an eye-catching yellow-green in the winter, just when the garden needs a punch of color.

Native to the Caucasus and Asia Minor, a seedling of the plant was found in a Dutch nursery in the 1960s.

SUN OR SHADE: In the Western Washington region, this fir thrives in full to part sun. In hotter climates, it requires afternoon shade.

SIZE: Full grown, it will reach 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide, so is a perfect plant to position near the front of the border or where it is important to protect views.

SEE IT: You can find this plant at the Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens — 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett; www.evergreenarboretum.com; 425-257-8597 — in the conifer garden to the left of the arboretum entrance columns.

Source: Sandra Schumacher / Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens Foundation