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Coniferous Trees
Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca'
blue Atlas cedar
Pinaceae
Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco, 4,000–7,200 ft; 'Glauca' is a cultivar selected for intensely blue-glaucous foliage
At a Glance
TypeTree
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height40-60 feet (12-18 m)
Width30-40 feet (9-12 m)
Maturity40 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
6 - 9Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (light)
Maintenancevery low
Overview
Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca' is a large, long-lived, evergreen coniferous tree in the family Pinaceae, a cultivar of Atlas cedar selected for intensely silvery-blue to powder-blue foliage. 'Glauca' means 'blue-gray' or 'glaucous,' referring to the waxy bloom on the needles. Trees grow 40–60 feet (12–18 m) tall and 30–40 feet (9–12 m) wide, developing the same dramatic silhouette as the straight species: broadly pyramidal in youth, maturing to a FLAT-TOPPED CROWN with WIDE-SPREADING HORIZONTAL LAYERED BRANCHES in sweeping tiers. The needles are 0.75–1.5 inch (2–4 cm) long, in dense spur-shoot clusters of 20–45, with INTENSE SILVERY-BLUE COLOR maintained year-round. UPRIGHT BARREL-SHAPED CONES 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) disintegrate on the tree. Highly drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic.
Native Range
Species native to the Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco at 4,000–7,200 feet (1,200–2,200 m) elevation. 'Glauca' is a cultivar selected for intensely blue-glaucous foliage.Suggested Uses
Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca' is planted as a large, dramatic specimen conifer in Pacific Northwest parks, large gardens, and estates. The intensely silvery-blue year-round foliage makes this one of the most popular specimen trees in PNW landscapes. Pairs effectively with dark-green conifers or bronze/red-foliaged plants for contrast. Requires ample space — not appropriate for small gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height40' - 60'
Width/Spread30' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 40 years
Colors
Flower Colors
brown
green
Foliage Colors
blue
silver
Fall Foliage Colors
no change
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~4 weeksJ
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Fall
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
UPRIGHT BARREL-SHAPED CONES 2–3 inches; disintegrate on tree Oct–Nov year 3; pollen shed Oct–Nov (unusual late timing); wind-pollinatedFoliage Description
INTENSELY SILVERY-BLUE TO POWDER-BLUE — the most vivid blue of common garden cedars; 'Glauca' = 'glaucous/blue-gray'; spur-shoot clusters 20–45; FLAT-TOPPED TIERED CROWN at maturity; UPRIGHT BARREL CONES; most widely planted large specimen conifer in PNW; DATA CORRECTIONS: species null; rewrote curly-brace proseGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandrockychalk
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Low
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
20-40 years
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca' requires full sun in well-drained, acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5. Highly drought-tolerant once established. Requires excellent drainage; will not tolerate waterlogged soils. Allow ample space for the broad mature spread of 30–40 feet (9–12 m). No fertilizer required in adequate soils. The blue foliage color is most intense in full sun — partial shade reduces the glaucous effect.Pruning
No pruning required for natural form. Remove dead or damaged branches in spring. Do not top — destroys the characteristic flat-topped silhouette. Lower branches can be removed as the tree matures to raise the crown. Staking of young trees may be needed until the central leader is established.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
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late spring