Conifers
Weeping Blue Atlas cedar
Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula'
Weeping Blue Atlas cedar lets blue needles follow long, pendulous branches into a distinctive garden sculpture. A supported leader creates height, while unsupported growth can form a low, spreading cascade. Typical dimensions around 3–12 feet tall and wide vary greatly with training, and a supported leader can extend about a foot or more annually. Plan the permanent position and horizontal clearance early. In Southwest Washington, favor sun and deep, freely drained soil, watering young roots as they establish. Avoid a cramped wet corner, protect the framework from severe wind and heavy snow, and preserve the natural drape with selective rather than heavy pruning.
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At a glance
- Mature height
- Often 3–12 ft; can be trained higher
- Mature spread
- Often 3–12 ft; allow 10–12 ft for spreading branches
- Light
- Full sun preferred; partial shade tolerated
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 6–7
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Training determines whether this specimen develops an upright framework, a low arch, or branches extending along a support. In each case, leave room for the hanging growth to spread.
Where to plant
Choose sun or partial shade and allow room for the trained framework and spreading branches. Height and width depend on support and pruning, so review both before choosing a position.
Through the seasons
Blue needles remain on the tree throughout the year. Older plants may develop upright, oval cones.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Winter drainage is important in maritime gardens, especially where soil stays cold and wet. Shelter from strong wind and allow for possible branch damage under heavy snow.
Soil, drainage & water
Deep, well-drained, acidic loam suits this cedar. Other soil textures can work with adequate drainage; water during establishment, with greater drought tolerance developing as the roots become established.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Stake or train the leader if an upright form is wanted, checking supports as it grows. Keep pruning selective and avoid unnecessary removal of lower branches or moving an established tree.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Needle blight
Needles may discolor or drop, leaving affected branches thin.
Help your plant thrive
Provide air movement and drainage, and avoid repeatedly wetting the needles. Have persistent needle loss assessed before treating.
Support or weather damage
Branches may break under snow or suffer damage where supports rub or constrict growth.
Help your plant thrive
Inspect ties and the trained framework regularly. Allow room for thickening stems and remove damaged wood selectively.
A little more inspiration
Keep exploring.
Weeping Norway Spruce
Picea abies 'Pendula'
A sculptural evergreen with hanging branches that can become an upright specimen or a low spreading feature, depending on its form and early training.
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Cupressina Norway Spruce
Picea abies 'Cupressina'
Dense, ascending branches create a slender evergreen column, offering substantial height and winter structure where a full-width spruce would demand too much horizontal space.
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2016.04.12 18.49.07 DSC03409 - Flickr - andrey zharkikh.jpg
Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City, USA
CC BY 2.0 · Web-optimized
Weeping White Spruce
Picea glauca 'Pendula'
A narrow evergreen with an upright leader and dramatically hanging blue-green branches, suited to a cool, open planting space where its tall silhouette can develop.
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