Cedrus deodara 'Devinely Blue'

Wider than it is tall, 'Devinely Blue' is a semi-dwarf evergreen cultivar in the Pinaceae (pine) family.  The cultivar name is derived the from last name of Bill Devine, a plant propagator at Angelica Nurseries in Maryland, where this seedling was first discovered.  Sometimes it is "misspelled" as 'Divinely Blue', which is the correct spelling of the word, but the incorrect spelling of his last name.

When young, it takes on a mounding form with a flat top.  As it ages, it will have a more conical or pyramidal shape. The growth rate is slow to medium,  adding about 6 inches a year and reaching up to 5 feet in height and 6 feet in width after about 10 years. Plant in the full sun in well drained acidic soil.  This plant prefers dry soils, and is quite drought tolerant so do not overwater.   A somewhat sheltered location will benefit the overall performance of this beauty. It can be pruned to shape but will look its best when left in nature's hands.

The needles are attractive and unique light blue-green and they surround branches with drooping tips.  Its lower branches will sit near the ground surface, typically having a one-foot clearance.  'Divinely Blue' is resistant to verticillium wilt, browsing by deer, and is also toleartes the heat and. humidity of southern summers.

Plant in a large container, along a lawn, or in a rock or drought tolerant garden.  Use it as an accent plant, its fine textured needles look great behind other green plants.  Those showy blue needles make also make it a great choice for winter interest in the landscape.  Because of its short stature it can be planted under powerlines. 

Quick ID:  

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

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  This plant cannot tolerate wet to poorly drained soils.

More information on Cedrus deodara.