The noble fir (Abies procera) is arguably one of if not the most beautiful of the firs. It’s most notable for its gorgeous glaucous blue foliage and its giant cones, which are the largest of all the firs (Abies). In addition to having the largest cones, it is also one of the largest firs, though not quite attaining the proportions of the grand fir (Abies grandis), it can still reach 50-60m in Britain and taller in its native region. Abies procera grows best in the cooler and wetter parts of Britain. Though some good specimens can be found growing in gardens in the South East, such as at Wakehurst Place Pinetum and formerly at Sheffield Park Garden where a tall Abies procera was removed a few years ago. The best specimens (at least from what I have seen) grow in Scotland where the cooler and wetter climate treat this tree well. When planted in a sheltered location Abies procera can grow very tall and become a very attractive tree. When young, Abies procera retains a very neat symmetrical shape, like most firs, but with age it can become quite massive and develop a large straight stem with branches initially perpendicular to the trunk but then soon droop downwards. Abies procera generally retains apical dominance, though some may lose a top (if grown in an exposed location) and potentially become multi stemmed, although this is rare. Although not rare, Abies procera is a tree that deserves to be planted more for its amenity value, being one of the largest trees to have glaucous blue foliage.