Blue Atlas Cedar

(Cedrus atlantica `Glauca')

Contact: Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen needles
Height: 40 to 60 feet
Spread: 30 to 40 feet
Shape: Upright

Needle-like evergreen foliage is bluish-green and produced in bunches near the ends of branches. Cones grow upright on upper side of branches.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 7 to 8
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet, moist, or dry
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 7.3

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include specimen plant.

Planting Notes:

Difficult to establish.
Plant trees that have been container grown.
Plant in a protected location, away from strong winter winds.
Plant in well-drained, acid soil.
Tolerates a wide range of soil and light conditions.

Care:

Little care required, especially when planted in a favorable location.

Problems:

Resistant to serious pest and disease problems.
Tip blight, root rots, black scale, and weevil may occur.
Protect from strong winter winds since tops of large trees can be killed by cold temperatures.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Cultivars of CEDRUS ATLANTICA:
`Glauca pendula' (Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar) has drooping branches and blue foliage.
`Fastigiata' has a narrow, columnar form.

Comments:

Beautiful as a specimen plant in a large area when given lots of room to develop and display its formal, pyramidal shape.
Does not tolerate extreme heat.

Additional Materials:

The following Extension publications are available through your local Extension office or directly from: Virginia Tech Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne St. Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-605 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Conifers"

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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