Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara 'Shalimar')

Overview

The Cedrus deodara ‘Shalimar’, known commonly as the Himalayan cedar, is a robust evergreen conifer prized for its distinctive, gracefully drooping branching habit. This cultivar was specifically selected for its superior winter hardiness compared to the species, making it a reliable choice for cooler climates. It transitions from a young, pyramidal shape to a broad, flat-topped mature form with stunning visual texture.

As a stately specimen tree, the Himalayan cedar provides year-round structure and visual interest to large properties. Its handsome blue-green needles cluster beautifully, creating a soft yet imposing presence throughout the landscape. Growers seeking the classic look of the Deodar cedar but requiring better cold tolerance often turn to Cedrus deodara ‘Shalimar’.

This tree exhibits the elegance native to the Himalayas, offering long, pendulous branchlets that gently sweep toward the ground. While it is known for its adaptability, especially regarding summer heat tolerance, proper siting remains crucial for ensuring the long-term health of this magnificent Himalayan cedar.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Pinaceae
• Plant Type: Needled evergreen
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 40-50 ft
  • Spread: 30-40 ft
• Bloom Time: Non-flowering
• Bloom Description: Non-flowering
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For optimal establishment, Cedrus deodara ‘Shalimar’ requires planting in deep, moist, yet exceptionally well-drained soil with a preference for acidic loams. Planting should ideally occur when the tree is young, situated where it can eventually attain its full, significant size, as mature trees are difficult to transplant. Full sun exposure is mandatory for dense growth and preventing susceptibility to disease.

Once established, this Himalayan cedar shows good drought tolerance, though supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells is beneficial, especially during the first few growing seasons. Avoid planting in locations prone to standing water; this cedar is intolerant of poorly drained, wet soils, which can lead to root rot, a potential issue. Fertilization is rarely necessary if soil conditions are adequate, but focus on soil health rather than synthetic stimulants.

A key benefit of Cedrus deodara ‘Shalimar’ is its reputation for having better tolerance for hot and humid summers than many other true cedars. If attempting to grow this cultivar in marginal zones (like Zone 5), site the young tree in a location sheltered from harsh winter winds to maximize survival chances. Pruning is generally minimal, focusing mainly on removing lower branches that touch the ground or controlling shape if grown as a screen.

Landscape Uses

The sheer scale and dignified presence of the Himalayan cedar make it perfectly suited as a specimen tree on large lawns where its unique, weeping silhouette can be fully appreciated without obstruction. Its mature height and spread demand significant open space, allowing its pendulous lower branches to sweep gracefully outward.

However, this tree is versatile enough to serve functional purposes as well. When planted in a row or group, it can be selectively pruned to create a very effective, dense screen or hedge, offering year-round privacy. Consider using Cedrus deodara ‘Shalimar’ as a dramatic focal point anchoring the corner of a property or balancing the lines of large architectural features.

When selecting companions, choose plants that thrive in similar full sun conditions and have well-draining soil requirements, avoiding areas that stay soggy. Younger specimens can be underplanted with low-growing, acid-loving shrubs that benefit from the filtered shade provided as the cedar matures.

Standout Features

Noteworthy Characteristics

Cedrus deodara, known as Deodar cedar, is an evergreen conifer that is pyramidal when young, maturing to flat-topped trees with broad-spreading horizontal branching. Deodar cedar is perhaps the most pendulous of the true cedars, with drooping branchlets and branching that is gracefully drooping at the tips. Lower branches typically remain on the tree as it ages, often touching the ground. This is a medium-growing tree that typically matures to 40-50’ tall in its first 25 years. It features handsome blue-green needles and upright cones that can reach 4 inches long. ‘Shalimar’ is noted for having much better winter hardiness than the species and most cultivars thereof, making it a valuable garden addition.

Tolerances

• Drought tolerant once established

Potential Problems

The Himalayan cedar generally avoids serious insect or disease problems when grown in ideal conditions. However, gardeners should remain vigilant for potential issues such as tip blight and root rot, the latter often resulting from improper soil drainage or overwatering.

Winter hardiness remains a concern in borderline regions. For example, in areas like St. Louis, monitoring temperature fluctuations is wise, and utilizing the hardier ‘Shalimar’ cultivar is recommended over the standard species. Even with its improved hardiness (USDA Zone 6, possibly Zone 5 protected), environmental stress can still occur.

To mitigate risks, ensure the site offers perfect drainage, as wet feet are the primary trigger for root rot susceptibility. Proper initial siting away from reflected winter sun or drying winter winds will greatly enhance the tree’s overall viability and reduce stress points.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Himalayan cedar suitable for?

Cedrus deodara ‘Shalimar’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 8, sometimes extending barely into Zone 5 with protected siting.

How large does Cedrus deodara ‘Shalimar’ grow?

This magnificent conifer typically reaches a mature height between 40 and 50 feet, with a spread ranging from 30 to 40 feet.

What sun exposure does Cedrus deodara ‘Shalimar’ need?

The Himalayan cedar requires full sun exposure to develop its characteristic dense form and maintain good health.

When does Himalayan cedar bloom?

This grouping of conifers is non-flowering, meaning it produces cones rather than traditional blooms.

Conclusion

The Cedrus deodara ‘Shalimar’ stands out as an exceptionally graceful evergreen, offering superior cold tolerance among the Deodar cedars and a distinctly sweeping, architectural habit. Its ability to handle heat better than some relatives makes it a sturdy specimen for large landscapes. Before planting, always confirm your USDA zone compatibility and ensure you have provided the deep, well-drained soil this spectacular Himalayan cedar demands.

Companion Planting

When selecting partners for Cedrus deodara ‘Shalimar’, focus on shrubs and perennials that appreciate the same acidic soil pH and excellent drainage necessary for cedar health. Low-growing groundcovers that do not aggressively compete for surface moisture can effectively mask the bare lower branches.

Consider planting species like various Rhododendrons or Azaleas, which share the need for acidic conditions and prefer the dappled shade the maturing cedar provides beneath its canopy perimeter. Similarly, shade-tolerant ferns can enhance the texture contrast beneath this large evergreen.

If designing an open area where the cedar serves as a specimen, use structural, low-maintenance plants nearby that do not visually compete with its dramatic form. Avoid placing herbaceous borders too close, as the root zone of the established cedar may suppress less vigorous plantings.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring is the optimal time for assessing any winter damage and ensuring new planting sites have appropriate soil preparation after the danger of hard frost has passed. Light fertilization, if deemed necessary, should be applied early in the growing season.

During the hot, dry periods of summer, monitor moisture, especially for young trees. While drought tolerant once mature, supplemental, deep watering during extended dry spells is crucial to maintain the vigor of your Himalayan cedar.

Fall preparation is minimal for this hardy tree; focus primarily on ensuring deep soil moisture before the ground freezes, aiding winter survival. Protect any very young specimens from harsh desiccating winter winds by erecting temporary burlap screens if necessary.