Abies koreana Brillant

Abies koreana 'Brillant' is a variety of Korean Fir that will delight enthusiasts of the genus. It is a truly dwarf form of the species, forming a rounded bush wider than it is tall, not exceeding 40 cm (15.7 in) in height. Very dense, it bears small bright green needles, arranged in a sleeve all around the short branches. An ideal plant for a rockery, this conifer thrives in neutral to acidic, moist but well-drained soil, and appreciates not too intense sunlight. In a very sunny climate, partial shade will also suit it. A little gem for true enthusiasts of originality. 

The Korean Fir is a conifer of the Pinaceae family, native only to the mountains of extreme southern Korea, and has become rare in its country of origin. It grows at altitudes ranging from 100 m to 2500 m (328.1 ft to 8202.1 ft), in a fairly rainy climate, in areas now affected by climate change. This conifer shows slow growth and reaches a height of 6 m to 9 m (19.7 ft to 29.5 ft) in its natural environment, with a conical shape and tiered branching. It displays beautiful violet cones characteristic of this species.

'Brillant' is a variety made by the German nursery Harald Oltmanns from a witch's broom. Witch's broom is a physiological anomaly that causes the proliferation of shoots in all directions on a branch, forming anarchic clumps. Caused by various factors (disease, fungus, bacteria), witch's broom is the result of uncontrolled and excessive production of plant hormones and can appear on many woody plants, such as conifers or birches. Some have real aesthetic value and are therefore exploited by nurserymen to generate new ornamental varieties.

'Brillant' owes its particularly small size to its specific origin. Growing only 3 cm to 4 cm (1.2 in to 1.6 in) per year, this miniature conifer eventually forms a rounded dome, 40 cm (15.7 in) high with an approximate spread of 70 cm to 80 cm (27.6 in to 31.5 in). Probably sterile, which is not surprising given its origin, it does not seem to produce the characteristic violet cones of the species. Its decorative aspect is more due to its reduced volume, with its structural habit reinforced by the density of the branches and foliage. Its small flat needles of beautiful bright green, slightly darkening in summer, form a sleeve around the branches, giving a unique visual effect.

Abies koreana 'Brillant' is ideal for embellishing a rockery that is not too dry, even in small dimensions. It is a true dwarf conifer, whose adult dimensions will never be a problem, unlike some slow-growing varieties, but whose ultimate size is quite significant. It can therefore be associated with other dwarf species without fear of competition, such as Pinus strobus 'Horsford', a Weymouth Pine with long, slender needles that are very different in shape and colour from those of 'Brillant', and even more compact than it. On the other hand, a step up in size, Pinus mugo 'Golden Glow' with its bright golden foliage will create a nice colourful contrast with the previous two.