How to Grow and Care for Cedars

Cedar of lebanon (Cedrus libani) is an evergreen conifer that will grow from 12 to 18 m tall. Native to the forests of Lebanon, it is a recipient of the Award of Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society. It is a slow growing tree that may only reach 6 m tall in its first 20 years. It thrives in full sun and prefers acidic, well-drained soil.

The deodar cedar is a fine-textured evergreen tree that's one of the most graceful conifers in many landscapes. It produces an aromatic oil that deters many insects but is home to birds and woodpeckers. In the Hindu religion, it's considered a sacred tree. Its specific epithet, deodara, is derived from the Sanskrit language, meaning "the wood of the gods."

Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is an endangered evergreen tree found primarily in the mountains of Morocco and Algeria. It can grow over 35 m tall and sports droopy-looking branches. Atlas cedar has been overused as a source of timber in its home range and has also been imported elsewhere for the same purpose. Atlas cedar provides homes for the similarly endangered Barbary macaque.

Atlas cedar 'Glauca' is an evergreen atlas cedar named for its characteristic blue-green Needle-shaped leaves which differ markedly from the paler leaves of its parent tree. This cultivar originated in the Atlas mountains of North Africa and was introduced to France in the nineteenth century.

Deodar cedar 'Golden Horizon' is a fast-growing coniferous evergreen tree that offers long needle-like foliage that emerges in a golden-yellow color (hence the name) and turns to yellow-green as they mature. It is a cultivar of Deodar cedar, which usually has dark green foliage. This tree is easy to grow and requires no pruning, making it a popular choice for gardeners.