How to Grow and Care for a Cedar of Lebanon Tree

Cedar of Lebanon is an evergreen conifer that grows over 100 feet tall. It's a stately shade tree for large landscapes, native to the eastern Mediterranean, and does well in cold temperatures with full sun. Typically planted in late fall, patient gardeners with enough space can expect a pyramid-shaped, fragrant tree with rich green needles.

Lebanese Cedar Care

lt takes a special plot of land to play host to this green giant. Not only is the tree enormous, but its lifespan will far outlast that of its original owner, so a spot that can withstand its longevity is key. Outside of this, caring for a cedar of Lebanon tree is relatively straight-forward as long as you meet a few key needs.

• Keep in well-drained soil and full sun.
• Be mindful of extreme weather conditions while it's getting established to protect its still-developing branches.
• Plant away from your home and other large structures.
• Pick a spot where the tree can stay as it does not take well to transplanting.
• Fertilize during the spring with an all-purpose slow-release fertilizer.

Light

Plant your cedar of Lebanon tree in a spot with at least eight to 10 hours of sunlight daily. This shouldn't be too hard to achieve—chances are, the tree will be the tallest thing in your landscape (at least, after a few years' time), so it's unlikely that it will be shaded by other trees and kept out of the sun.

Soil

Cedar of Lebanon trees prefer acidic soil, but can also be grown in soil with neutral and alkaline pH levels. When it comes to the composition of their soil, they will do best if planted in moist but well-drained soil. Any soil that is too mucky or poor draining will result in root rot and ultimate failure.

Water

Water your cedar of Lebanon plant deeply at least once a week, and make sure the soil doesn't dry out, especially in its first few years of life.

Temperature and Humidity

The cedar of Lebanon tree is a very adaptable varietal and can handle a range of temperatures, both cold and warm. It can thrive in the high heat of summer (similar to the conditions in its native land), and withstand very low temperatures in winter.

Fertilizer

Fertilize your cedar of Lebanon tree from the end of winter to the end of spring, using a complete all-purpose fertilizer that is slow-release. You do not need to fertilize the plant from the spring on. During the tree's first two years of life, it's wise to choose a fertilizer mixture that also includes phosphorous to encourage strong roots.

Types of Lebanese Cedar

There are two dwarf varieties of Lebanese cedar, both used for bonsai growing:

• C. libani 'Green Prince' (sometimes erroneously referred to as 'Green Knight'). After ten years, this extremely slowly growing variety (2 to 3 inches per year) reaches only 3 feet in height.
• C. libani 'Katere' is a cultivar with a maximum height of 6 feet. It was bred in New Zealand.
  

Pruning

The cedar of Lebanon tree can be pruned to form a central leader if desired, as it may form several different ones if left alone. However, the multiple leaders help the tree form into an attractive shape. Any pruning should be done during the fall and only be done to trees that have matured beyond their first few years of life. Altogether, pruning is not necessary unless done for aesthetic or safety purposes.

Propagating Lebanese Cedar

Cuttings of Lebanese cedar are virtually impossible to root. The only method of propagation is from seed.

How to Grow Lebanese Cedar From Seed

To grow the tree from seed takes patience but it can be done.

1. Collect several cones from an established tree. Place the cones in a paper bag and store them in a cool, dry place until the cones "ripen," as indicated by the scales cracking open and spilling their seeds.
2. Soak the seeds in a bucket of water for three hours or more. Discard any seeds that float (they're not viable) and collect any that sink.
3. Wrap the viable seeds in moistened cheesecloth or paper towel and place them in a plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for one month while the seeds germinate, misting the cloth whenever it feels dry to the touch.
4. Plant in pots that are at least 3 inches deep with potting soil. Coat each seed with fungicide, place in an individual pot, and top with sand and peat. Water until the mixture settles and drains from the holes at the base of the pot.
5. Place pots in a sunny spot. Once seeds germinate, move seedlings to larger containers. Grow them all winter and plant in spring after the last frost.

Potting and Repotting Lebanese Cedar

Due to its size, Lebanese cedar is not suitable to be grown in pots but a dwarf variety can be trained as a bonsai.

Overwintering

The tree is hardy to USDA zone 5 and needs no winter protection. The roots of a potted bonsai, however, might need to be insulated against winter cold by wrapping the container in burlap and bubble wrap, or placed in an insulating silo for overwintering.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

There are not too many problems associated with cedar of Lebanon trees. You may have an aphid attack from time to time. This can be naturally managed by ladybugs or removed simply by spraying them off the branch with water.

Root rot is another issue but can be rectified by maintaining well-draining soil.

Common Problems with Lebanese Cedar

Browning Needles

Although it's expected that the tree will drop some needles in the spring and fall to make room for new growth, browning needles in the summertime may be a cause for concern. This could be a sign of a weevil or spider mite problem. Treat with insecticidal soap and spray a protectant oil in the spring to prevent summertime infestations.