Conifers
Blue Atlas cedar
Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca'
Blue Atlas cedar combines steel-blue needles with an architectural crown that broadens as the tree ages. A young pyramid can become an expansive specimen, commonly 40–60 feet tall and 30–60 feet wide, with larger trees possible. Reserve an open lawn or similarly spacious setting where lower branches can remain part of its character. Full sun, deep well-drained soil, and protection from severe sweeping winds provide a useful foundation in Southwest Washington. Water while roots establish; older trees tolerate drier conditions better. Choose its permanent location carefully because established cedars dislike moving, and avoid relying on heavy pruning to fit a confined site.
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At a glance
- Mature height
- Commonly 40–60 ft; potentially larger
- Mature spread
- Often 30–60 ft
- Light
- Full sun preferred; partial shade tolerated
- Hardiness
- Hardy around USDA Zone 6
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Use as a large specimen in an open lawn or another spacious landscape. Allow the lower branches to remain where possible, since they are part of the tree's mature form.
Where to plant
Plan for roughly 40–60 feet of height and 30–60 feet of width, with larger trees possible. Keep well clear of buildings and routes that would require repeated branch removal.
Through the seasons
Blue needles remain through the year. Established trees may develop upright cones, and pollen cones release yellow pollen in autumn.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Choose a sunny, well-drained site protected from severe sweeping wind. Established trees tolerate drier conditions better, but newly planted roots need water while they settle in.
Soil, drainage & water
Deep, well-drained loam is preferred. Clay, sandy, or alkaline soil can also work when drainage is adequate; avoid prolonged saturation and water during establishment.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Select a permanent position and avoid moving established trees. Keep pruning limited, allowing enough space from the outset that lower branches do not need repeated cutting for clearance.
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 or shoots may discolor and die back when needle blight is present.
Help your plant thrive
Maintain airflow and limit unnecessary overhead watering. Identify continuing needle loss before selecting treatment.
Scale insects
Small scale coverings can appear on needles, sometimes with yellowing or thinning foliage.
Help your plant thrive
Inspect affected needles closely and identify the insect. Do not assume all browning is caused by drought or respond with repeated watering.
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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