True Cedar Species and Cultivars: Atlas, Deodar, Lebanon, and Cyprus

Overview

True cedars (Cedrus) are native to Mediterranean mountains and western Himalaya—not to be confused with junipers or arborvitae. Four species; three have cultivated varieties.

Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) – Zones 6–9

Slow, to 40 ft. Blue‑green needles. Prefers moist, well‑drained soil. Not cold‑hardy; best in South. Cultivars: ‘Glauca’ (20 ft), ‘Glauca Pendula’ (weeping, 12 ft), ‘Fastigiata’ (narrow, 8 ft wide, 15–18 ft tall).

Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara) – Zones 7–8

Faster, to 70 ft, pyramidal. Likes drier soil. Intolerant of cold winds. Cultivars: ‘Curly Locks’ (20 ft, curling foliage), ‘Roman Gold’ (golden needles, bushy), ‘Emerald Falls Pendula’ (weeping, bright green, stake‑dependent height).

Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) – Zones 5–7

Thick trunk, dark green‑black foliage. To 60 ft. Upright 5‑in. cones. Most cold‑hardy true cedar. Cultivars: ‘Green Prince’ (dwarf shrub, 2 ft), ‘Stenocoma’ (taller, open canopy, blue‑green needles).

Cedar of Cyprus (Cedrus brevifolia)

Rare, non‑cultivated. Native to Cyprus. Resembles Lebanon cedar but smaller, true green needles, silvery‑gray fissured bark, open canopy. To 80+ ft.

Selection Guide

• Cold zones (5–6): Lebanon cedar.
• Weeping form: Atlas ‘Glauca Pendula’ or Deodar ‘Emerald Falls’.
• Gold foliage: Deodar ‘Roman Gold’.
• Tight spaces: Atlas ‘Fastigiata’ or Lebanon ‘Green Prince’.