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Coniferous Trees
Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula'
weeping blue Atlas cedar
Pinaceae
Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria (cultivar of garden origin)
At a Glance
TypeTree
HabitWeeping
FoliageEvergreen
Height8–15 feet (2.4–4.5 m) staked; 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) unstaked
Width10–20 feet (3–6 m)
Maturity12 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)
Maintenancelow
Overview
A sculptural weeping evergreen conifer of variable size and form depending on training, combining intensely silver-blue to powder-blue needles with dramatically pendulous branches that cascade straight downward. Without staking, spreads as a low-growing ground cover 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) tall and 10–20 feet (3–6 m) or more wide over time. When staked to a desired height, develops a weeping specimen 8–15 feet (2.4–4.5 m) tall with cascading curtains of silver-blue foliage. Needles 0.75–1.5 inches (2–4 cm) long, intensely silver-blue to powder-blue, in dense clusters on drooping shoots. The final form is determined by how the young plant is staked and trained. Hardy in USDA zones 6–9.
Native Range
Cedrus atlantica is native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria in North Africa. Glauca Pendula is a cultivar of garden origin selected for both the intensified blue needle color of the Glauca group and a strongly pendulous habit.Suggested Uses
Used as a sculptural specimen in prominent garden locations where the dramatic weeping form can be fully appreciated. Highly effective near water features, on slopes, or as a standalone focal point. Each trained specimen develops a unique individual form. Requires adequate space for eventual horizontal spread. Not suitable as a screen or windbreak.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 15'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years
Colors
Foliage Colors
blue
silver
Fall Foliage Colors
no change
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~3 weeksJ
F
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M
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J
A
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O
N
D
Fall
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Intensely silver-blue to powder-blue needles in dense clusters; more blue than any other commonly grown cedarGrowing 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
loamsandclay
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Low
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
10–15 years
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Stake young plants to the desired height during the first 3–5 years — the plant grows horizontally once the staked leader is released or bends. The final form is determined entirely by staking decisions made during establishment. Water regularly during establishment; drought tolerant once established. Adaptable to a range of well-drained soils. Allow adequate room for eventual horizontal spread.Pruning
Prune only to shape and train during the establishment period. Once the mature form is established, little pruning is needed. Remove dead branches in late winter as needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
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J
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early spring