Cedrus deodara

Cedrus deodara (Himalayan cedar) is a highly valuable ornamental conifer prized for its elegant crown and fine, blue-green foliage.

General characteristics

• Plant type: evergreen conifer

• Port: pyramidal, with a slightly bent top and gracefully arched branches

• Dimensions: 20–30 m tall at maturity (can remain smaller in the garden), 8–10 m wide

• Growth: moderate to fast

• Longevity: very big

Foliage

• Needles: soft, thin, arranged in bundles

• Color: light green to blue-green, sometimes with a silvery tinge

• Appearance: elegant, more "flowing" than other cedars

Cones

• Form: ovoid, erect

• Color: green at first, turning reddish-brown when ripe

• They appear: on mature specimens

Planting conditions

• Exposure: full sun (tolerates partial shade)

• Soil: well drained, fertile, slightly acid to neutral

• Watering: moderate; does not tolerate excessively wet soils

• Frost resistance: good (approx. –20 / –25°C), but young specimens may require protection

Use in landscaping

• tree lonely in large gardens or parks

• focal point in classic or modern landscapes

• suitable for large spaces, where it can develop its natural crown