Blue Atlas Cedar Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula'

Easily trained as an espalier, (branches are trained to grow flat against a wall, supported on a lattice or a framework of stakes) Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula' makes a sculptural specimen statement in the landscape.  It has drooping, vertical branches with beautiful steel-blue needles and no well-defined central leader.  Its height and form can be controlled by training its central leader.  With proper support, the central leader will grow in an upward direction.  Without support, this same leader will tend to cascade downward.  

Allowing this specimen plenty of room to grow, away from sidewalks and streets, will give the branches room to spread and cascade.  With adequate elbow room, it will not be needing any pruning.  If the lower branches are pruned, it will take on an odd shape and lose its character.  

Although it prefers growing conditions that are deep, acidic and containing loam, it can be grown in other environments, such as clay or sandy soil and with pH that is neutral or alkaline.

Quick ID:

• All Cedrus genus members have new needles that are born singly on stems
• Needles are triangular to quadrangular in cross-section
• Female woody barrel-shaped cones sit on top of the branches
• Difficult to transplant

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious issues.  Heavy snow can damage or break branches.  Tip blight may be a problem, as well as root rot or black scale.  

Sap-suckers often riddle the trunk with holes.  Can be unsightly, but not harmful to the tree.

Shelter from strong winds, as the branches can be damaged.

More information on Cedrus atlantica.