Atlas cedar (40 to 60 feet tall) has a pointed, pyramidal crown that transitions into a flattened shape; short, pale blue-green or silvery needles; and relatively small cones. Its heavy, aromatic wood is used in cabinetmaking and construction back in its native home: the Atlas Mountains of northwestern Africa. This tree is planted in the eastern United States and Pacific region. Cedar of Lebanon (40 to 50 feet) has a narrow, pointed crown that becomes irregular and broad with spreading horizontal branches. Over time it develops a massive trunk. Its blue-green needles are only about 1 inch long, but its cones reach 3 to 4 inches in length. This cedar produces fragrant wood used for lumber, furniture, and paneling in its native lands. It is planted mainly in the southeastern United States and the Pacific Coast. It is also hardy in the northeast.
Using Cedar in the Landscape
Cedar trees grow well in part shade or full sun and well-drained soil. They regularly prove tolerant of a variety of soil conditions—from fast-draining sandy soil to clay. These trees become drought tolerant after they establish deep root systems. In some regions they need to be planted in protected locations. Check with the nursery where you buy your plants. Dwarf cultivars make excellent container plants and will thrive for many years in a large pot filled with quality potting soil. Plan to repot the small tree every three years or so to refresh the soil. Plant a cedar tree outside in spring. Water it deeply and regularly during its first growing season to promote a strong root system. Blanket the root zone with a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch (don’t let it touch the trunk) to help conserve soil moisture and prevent weeds. Cedar trees rarely require pruning; although you should trim away broken branches.
New Types of Cedar
Cedars are getting smaller. The 10- to 25-foot-tall trees suit suburban landscapes. Look for cultivars in shades of green, blue, and even yellow.
More Varieties of Cedar
Atlas cedar
Cedrus atlantica offers silvery-blue needles on a big, majestic tree. It grows more than 130 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Zones 6-9
Weeping blue Atlas cedar
This cultivar of Cedrus atlantica glauca ‘Pendula’ bears branches that droop to the ground. It can be trained and pruned along an arbor, fence, or trellis. It can grow more than 70 feet tall. Zones 6-9
