Feelin' Blue Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara 'Feelin' Blue'): A Prostrate Conifer for Small-Space Drama

In a genus known for towering forest giants, 'Feelin' Blue' deodar cedar breaks the mold: a prostrate, ground-hugging conifer that rarely exceeds 2 ft in height while spreading 4–6 ft wide. Its soft, blue-gray foliage provides year-round texture and a cool hue that harmonizes with chartreuse, orange, and burgundy companions. Hardy to zone 7 (0°F), it brings cedar elegance to courtyards, rock gardens, and border fronts.

Why This Dwarf Cedar Stands Out

Native to the Himalayas (species range: Pakistan to Tibet), deodar cedar has deep cultural roots. 'Feelin' Blue' retains the species' graceful, soft needles but in a radically compressed form. Young plants resemble shore junipers — often overlooked at nurseries due to higher price — but maturity reveals a commanding presence on the garden floor. Deer, rabbit, and insect resistant; drought-tolerant once established.

Jay Sifford Garden Design

At a Glance

• Botanical name: Cedrus deodara 'Feelin' Blue'
• Common name: Feelin' Blue deodar cedar
• Hardiness: USDA zones 7–9 (0°F)
• Mature size: 2 ft high, 4–6 ft wide
• Light: Full sun best; adapts to partial shade
• Water: Average (1"/week); drought-tolerant once established
• Soil: Average to moist, well-drained

Design Applications

• Color echo: Blue-gray foliage pairs with chartreuse (e.g., 'Skylands' spruce), orange ('Orange Rocket' barberry), burgundy ('Rose Glow' barberry, 'Crimson Queen' Japanese maple, 'Ruby Falls' redbud).
• Edge softener: Drape over boulders, retaining walls, patio edges, pathway borders.
• Rock gardens & containers: Prostrate form suits tight spaces and elevation changes.
• Standard (grafted) form: Available on 3-ft trunk for height at border backs.

Le jardinet

Jay Sifford Garden Design

Jay Sifford Garden Design

Planting & Care

Plant spring or fall in well-drained soil, full sun to part shade. Water weekly (1") until established. Minimal pruning — only to shape or control spread. No fertilizer needed.

Bottom line: For a conifer that delivers cedar sophistication in a ground-cover package, 'Feelin' Blue' is a small-space star.