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Blue Atlas cedar

Cedrus atlantica f. glauca

SEE-druss at-LAN-tee-kah forma GLOK-ah Audio

This stunning evergreen conifer can be a very large specimen tree (to over 100 feet) in the landscape. Its young, silvery foliage turns vivid glaucous blue as it ages; the sharply pointed leaves are arranged in whorls. Female cones are green and can be up to 4 inches long; they ripen slowly over 2 years to pale brown. This tree needs a lot of space to reach its majestic potential.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsSilvery blue foliage. Fissured silvery gray bark. Native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

CareNeeds a sunny, open site. Tolerant of most soil types, but must be well-drained. Heavy snow can break branches.

PropagationBefore sowing in spring, pre-chill the seeds in moist conditions at 32° to 34°F for three weeks.

ProblemsTip blight, pinewood nematode, root rot, stem cankers, die back, scale insects, pine sawfly, mealybugs, and caterpillars are possibilities.

  • Genus : Cedrus
  • Plant Height : 30 feet or more
  • Plant Width : 30 feet or more
  • Zones : 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Moisture : Dry
  • Light : Full Sun
  • Maintenance : Moderate
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Characteristics : Showy Foliage
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
  • Plant Type : Trees

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