Cedar (Cedrus): Stately Conifers for Large Landscapes

• Evergreen
• Climate zones vary
• Full sun
• Moderate water
• Growth rate varies

These stately conifers look best with plenty of room; they are deep rooted and, once established, quite drought tolerant. Needles are borne in tufted clusters. Both species listed here tolerate hot, humid weather well.

Atlas Cedar (C. atlantica)

Zones 2–24, 31, 32, 34. Slow to moderate growth to 60+ ft, 30-ft spread. In Zones 2–7, branches can break in heavy snows. Needles bluish-green to light green, under an inch long.

Deodar Cedar (C. deodara)

Zones 3–12, 14–24, 27–32, warmer parts of 33. Fast growing to 80 ft, 40-ft spread at ground level; readily identified by gracefully drooping branches and nodding tip. Softer texture than Atlas cedar. Needles reach 2 inches; green or with blue, gray, or yellow cast. To control spread in young trees, cut new growth of side branches halfway back in late spring.