True Cedar
Cedrus species (PINACEAE)
Planting and Growing Cedar Trees
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow true cedar trees in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Foliage, cones, and seeds of true cedar
- Growing conditions for true cedar
- When to plant true cedar
- How to plant true cedar
- How to prune true cedar
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of true cedar
- Landscape uses of true cedar
- Pest and disease control for true cedar
Growing Cedar Trees
About four species of medium-growing, long-lived, sometimes spreading or drooping, pyramid-shaped, open, coniferous, evergreen trees, 100–150 ft. (30–45 m) tall, with deep blue green or green, stiff, clustered needles, 1–2 in. (25–50 mm) long.
Cedar species include Atlas cedar, Cedrus atlantica; Cyprus cedar Cedrus brevifolia; deodar cedar, Cedrus deodara; and cedar-of-Lebanon, Cedrus libani. Dwarf, pendulous cultivars available.
Cedar Tree Planting and Care Guide
Cones and Seeds
Male cones are egg-shaped, 3–5 in. (75–125 mm) long; female cones are small and pointed with woody scales and winged seed.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 7–10. Best in areas with limited winter snow.
Soil Type and Fertility
Damp to dry, well-drained soil. Fertility: Rich–average. 5.5–6.5 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Full to filtered sun. Space 10–15 ft. (3–4.5 m) apart.
Proper Care
Easy. Allow soil surface to dry between waterings until established. Prune in spring. Protect from snow in cold-winter climates. Propagate by cuttings, seed.
About This Species
Good choice for accents, screens, specimen in formal, woodland gardens. Male catkins release staining, allergen-bearing pollen in spring. Smog tolerant. Drought tolerant when established. Pest and disease resistant.