Blue Atlas Cedar is a striking weeping conifer native to the Atlas Mountains of northern Africa, prized for its silvery-blue needle clusters and dramatic cascading form. This evergreen cultivar of Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula' grows as a shrub with an unusual habit: its central leader can be trained upward to create an upright specimen or allowed to cascade downward for a graceful weeping effect. Hardy in zones 6 to 7, it reaches 3 to 12 feet in height and width, thriving in full sun with moderate water and excellent drought tolerance once established. The 1-inch needles curve gently toward the tips and are held in soft, tufted clusters that catch light beautifully throughout the year.
Full Sun
Moderate
6-7
144in H x 144in W
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Moderate
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The defining feature of this cultivar lies in its trainable form: support the central leader and it grows upward at a measured pace (roughly one foot per year), or let it hang freely and watch it cascade into an elegant weeping silhouette. The blue-tinted foliage and downy young shoots create year-round visual interest, while the drought tolerance and low disease pressure make it a resilient choice for gardens with challenging conditions. Heavy snow can damage branches, so winter placement matters, but in protected spots within zones 6 and 7, this cedar rewards patient gardeners with a specimen unlike any other conifer.
Blue Atlas Cedar serves primarily as an ornamental specimen plant. Its distinctive form and silvery-blue foliage make it valuable in landscape design as a focal point, either trained upright as a living sculpture or allowed to weep naturally over slopes and terraces. The evergreen structure provides winter interest and the finely textured foliage creates elegant contrast against broadleaf shrubs and perennials in mixed borders.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Habit and height can be controlled by how the central leader is trained. If supported vertically, the central leader will slowly grow upward at approximately one foot per year. If left unsupported, the central leader will cascade downward into a weeping form. Once the desired form is established, minimal pruning is needed beyond removing dead wood and managing any branches damaged by heavy snow. Tip blight may occasionally occur; remove affected shoots promptly to maintain tree health and form.
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