Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar - Cedrus Atlantica 'Glauca Pendula'

Overview:

If you are looking for a specimen tree, give weeping blue atlas cedar a try. An evergreen conifer, its drooping, twisted branches filled with powdery blue needles in whorls will be sure to catch the eye.

Latin name:

Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula'

Common Name:

Weeping blue atlas cedar

USDA Hardiness Zones:

Zones 6-9

Size:

On average, tree will be 10 ft. tall at maturity and 15-20 ft. wide. Actual size will be based on how it is trained.

Exposure:

Full sun, though it can tolerate some shade if needed.

Foliage/ Flowers:

Powdery blue needles borne in whorls. There will be a few small cones in the springtime.

Description:

Weeping blue atlas cedars are produced by grafting Cedrus atlantica. With its stunning blue colored needles and drooping form, this makes an excellent focal point in your yard. As an evergreen, it will provide color interest year-round. It can be staked to create any shape that you wish.

Design Tips:

Use this to draw attention to desired locations in your yard. Stake the branches upright to allow the drooping branches to form a waterfall effect. Use with other cool colors (green, blue, and purple) for a calming effect.

Growing Tips:

Weeping blue atlas cedar prefers well drained, acidic loam soil, though it can adapt to many kinds of soils.

This tree must be staked and trained while young to create the desired form, or it will end up growing close to the ground. It may take a while since this is a slow grower - about 1 to 1 1/2 feet per year.

Water well for the first season so that the roots will become established. After that, it is drought resistant and will not need much watering.

Shelter from strong winds.

Maintenance/Pruning:

Once established, this tree will not require much watering at all. Use a general purpose fertilizer in spring before new growth initiates.

This tree should be staked until maturity to create the height and width desired. As for pruning, prune in winter while still dormant, and remove no more than 1/3 of the tree at a time.

Pests & Diseases:

No significant pest or disease problems.