Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

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Cedrus atlantica

Also Known As

Cedrus libani subsp. atlantica
Atlantic Cedar
Atlas Cedar
Blue Atlas Cedar

Plant type

tree

size

H: 40'-60'
W: 30'-40'

planting zones

6a-9b

More Options

Cedrus atlantica plant details

Cedrus atlantica is a broadleaf evergreen tree with blue foliage. Features glaucous texture. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cedrus atlantica

Plant type: tree
Plant family: pinaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 30 FT - 40 FT - wide, 40 FT - 60 FT - tall
Uses: year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cedrus atlantica

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt and wind
Soil needs: acidic, average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Atlantic Cedar (also called Blue Atlas Cedar) is a tough and very heat tolerant tree native to the Mediterranean region which has blue-silver foliage and thick branches. Unlike most conifers which have a single trunk with small horizontal side branches. Cedars produce massive branches that grow more like an Oak tree and grow upwards over time, producing a very unusual specimen when given space. In tight areas these trees will often grow in a single trunk.

Because of the blue needles and better cold hardiness than many other true Cedrus species, Blue Atlas Cedar is one of the most popular evergreen trees for medium and large sized landscapes. It makes an excellent shade tree when grown as a single specimen but really shine when planted as a large hedge.

The short needles and clumpy branch habits lend this tree to an excellent bonsai variety, especially because of the blue foliage.

By: Red Panda Nursery

Upright with blue evergreen needles, good drainage. Drought tolerant when established, hardy to zone 6

By: Lael's Moon Garden

As it grows quickly when young, this form can be stiff and pyramidal with an open, gaunt look in youth. As the Atlas Cedar matures, its growth rate slows and it takes on a flat-topped habit with horizontally spreading branches--an extremely picturesque and interesting tree. Its needles cast a bluish green color, varying from light green to almost a silvery blue. Grows 40-60' high by 30-40' wide, but can eventually attain 120' in height by 90-100' wide. Difficult to transplant and should be moved as a container or a ball and burlapped plant only. Prefers well drained, moist, deep, loamy soil but will tolerate sandy or clay soils if there is no standing water. Prefers acid soils, although withstands some alkalinity. Shelter from strong winds.