Family: Pinaceae
Common Name: Cedar

Native to North Africa, the Mediterranean and the western Himalayas, three of the four closely related species of this genus are among the best known of the large, evergreen ornamentals. Typical of the genus are the needle-like leaves, which are densely clustered on short shoots except on the leading shoots of branches; the solitary, erect, almost smooth seed cones, covered with broad, flat, tightly packed conescales; and the large pollen cones, about 10 cm (4 in) long, which are borne singly on the short branchlets. The winged seeds are released through disintegration of the cone. With their symmetry, colour, texture, hardiness, and relative freedom from pests and diseases, cedars are a real asset to the garden. As most are often more tolerant of warmer climates and are faster growing than many other large conifers, they are more frequently seen in these areas.

Species

C. atlantica, Atlas cedar, zone 6, is still found growing in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia where it originated. Under cultivation it is a rather broad-headed tree to 25 m (80 ft) under the right conditions in cooler areas, though much smaller in warmer coastal regions. It has stiff, ascending branches, short leaves, 1.5-2.5 cm (½-1 in) long, and barrel-shaped seed cones which are 7 cm (3 in) in length. Of the foliage colour variants, Glauca Group with steel blue foliage, and 'Aurea', with yellowish green foliage, are the most widely grown.

C. deodara, deodar cedar, zone 7, from the western Himalayas, is the fastest growing species and the best for warmer coastal conditions, although well suited to colder areas too. It has larger needles and cones than the other species and the tips of the branches and leading shoots are rather pendulous. As a younger tree, the deodar grows symetrically, with the spreading, lower branches sweeping the ground but tapering upward to a long, slender, nodding leading shoot. With age, however, these trees are often broad-headed and more horizontally branched. Cultivar 'Aurea', with yellow-tipped branches, grows as vigorously as C. deodara and is very popular.

C. libani, cedar of Lebanon, zone 5, grows wild in the mountains of Lebanon, Syria and northern Turkey. The leaves of this species are similar in size to the Atlas cedar, the cones slightly longer. It develops a broad, flat-topped shape, with huge lower limbs. Not as widely grown as other species, specimens are mainly seen in large, old gardens.

Cultivation

Cedars like a deep, well-drained, highly organic soil. They are best planted in an open position in full sun, away from other plants. The species are best cultivated from seed, which germinates easily, and the cultivars by grafting. The foliage colour variants can be grown from seed, and seedlings of the colour required can be selected at a well-developed growth stage. These handsome trees require little further care.

Climate

There are species for various climatic zones.