Abies koreana 'Silberperl'

A miniature plant that is very dense and cushion-shaped as a young plant, becoming higher than wide as it ages it eventually becomes a miniature, stocky little tree; grows about 1 cm per year; foliage is green with the undersides of the leaves very apparent; found as a witches'-broom by Gunter Horstmann about 1980; winter buds are very conspicuous and are similar to little pearls.

Several of these miniature/dwarf Abies koreana selections originated in Europe and appeared in collections at about the same time. Three of these are so similar that they cannot be distinguished and are probably the same plant. Abies koreana 'Silberzwerg' and 'Silber Mavers' were described after Horstmann had already introduced 'Silberperl'. In discussion with several of my European collector friends, we have agreed that they are indistinguishable and the name 'Silberperl' takes precedence.

 These are two different plants in the Coenosium collection. Each is about 12 years old and less than 30 inches (75 cm) tall.

This is a close view of the foliage after the new growth has hardened in the summer.