Blue atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica (Glauca Group) 'Glauca Pendula')

Overview

The Blue atlas cedar, scientifically known as Cedrus atlantica (Glauca Group) ‘Glauca Pendula’, is a highly desirable, slow-growing conifer prized for its uniquely pendulous, weeping habit. This cultivar creates exceptional focal points in the landscape, dramatically cascading its bluish-green needles downward. The final shape of this Atlas cedar is dictated largely by the gardener’s training methods, offering significant customization potential.

Native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa, this form of Cedrus atlantica offers year-round texture and color contrast against other evergreens. While mature wild specimens are massive, the ‘Glauca Pendula’ cultivar remains relatively compact, reaching heights between 3 to 12 feet, making it suitable for smaller spaces or as a distinctive specimen plant.

Gardening success with the Blue atlas cedar relies on optimal siting to ensure the best foliage color and long-term health. It requires full sun and prefers rich, well-drained soil. Once established, this plant exhibits drought tolerance, though proper initial care is crucial for developing a strong root system.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Pinaceae
• Plant Type: Needled evergreen
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-7
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 3-12 ft
  • Spread: 3-12 ft
• Bloom Time: Non-flowering
• Bloom Description: Non-flowering
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For optimal growth, plant Cedrus atlantica (Glauca Group) ‘Glauca Pendula’ in deep, well-drained, acidic loam. It thrives best when situated in a location that receives full, unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. While hardy across Zones 6-9 generally, gardeners in the cooler end of this range, such as the St. Louis area, should ensure planting in a protected spot to avoid winter damage.

Establishment requires consistent moisture; water regularly until the root system is fully developed. Afterward, this Blue atlas cedar shows good drought tolerance, though supplemental water during extreme summer heat is beneficial. Avoid heavy fertilization, as this can encourage softer new growth susceptible to potential tip blight.

The most critical aspect of growing this cultivar involves training the central leader. If you allow the leader to cascade freely, the tree will develop a wide, weeping mound. To achieve height, gently tie the leader to a sturdy stake, allowing it to grow upward—typically only about one foot per year—before allowing the branches to flow naturally downward from the desired height.

Landscape Uses

Cedrus atlantica (Glauca Group) ‘Glauca Pendula’ is highly recommended as a specimen plant due to its unique weeping architecture and striking silver-blue foliage. It instantly draws the eye and functions beautifully as a singular focal point near an entrance or in an open lawn area where its form can be fully appreciated without obstruction.

Due to its relatively contained size compared to standard Atlas cedars, it integrates well into larger mixed evergreen borders or rock gardens where textured, contrasting shapes are desired. Plant this Blue atlas cedar where its sculptural quality can be highlighted against simpler, darker green background plantings, such as broadleaf evergreens or dark green pines.

Standout Features

Noteworthy Characteristics

Cedrus atlantica (Glauca Group) ‘Glauca Pendula’ is a columnar, weeping form featuring pendulous branches clad with beautiful bluish-green needles held in tight clusters, along with upright, barrel-shaped cones. Training the central leader is essential, as this determines whether the tree remains narrow-upright or develops its characteristic cascading form. Nomenclature can sometimes be complex, but always look for the specific cultivar name, ‘Glauca Pendula’, to ensure you receive this desirable weeping habit, distinguishing it from seedlings of the broader Glauca Group.

Tolerances

• Drought

Potential Problems

This cultivar generally avoids serious insect or disease issues when sited correctly. Gardeners should monitor for tip blight, which can sometimes occur, especially in overly humid conditions or if air circulation is poor around the dense foliage. The primary structural concern involves heavy snow loads in winter, which can potentially break or damage the gracefully descending branches; diligent snow removal may be necessary in colder climates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Blue atlas cedar suitable for?

The Blue atlas cedar is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 7, though local site conditions and winter protection can influence success.

How large does Cedrus atlantica (Glauca Group) ‘Glauca Pendula’ grow?

This weeping form typically achieves a height between 3 to 12 feet with a corresponding spread of 3 to 12 feet, depending heavily on whether the central leader is trained upwards or allowed to weep naturally.

What sun exposure does Cedrus atlantica (Glauca Group) ‘Glauca Pendula’ need?

It requires full sun exposure to maintain the best blue coloration of its needles and ensure vigorous, healthy growth.

When does Blue atlas cedar bloom?

This plant is a needled evergreen and is non-flowering in the traditional sense; it produces cones instead of true flowers.

Conclusion

The stunning, architectural form of the Blue atlas cedar, Cedrus atlantica (Glauca Group) ‘Glauca Pendula’, makes it an invaluable specimen for creating year-round drama in the garden. By paying close attention to soil drainage and actively managing the central leader, you can shape this unique cultivar to fit your precise landscape vision. Before purchasing, confirm that your planting location falls within USDA Zones 6 or 7 and offers consistent full sun.

Companion Planting

When selecting plants to accompany your Blue atlas cedar, focus on creating contrast in both texture and color. Consider pairing the silver-blue, weeping needles with plants that offer warm colors or fine, upright structure. Hostas with yellow or lime-green variegation make excellent low-growing companions, provided they are sited where the cedar’s drip line doesn’t impede their moisture needs, as the cedar becomes drought tolerant once established.

For taller background screens, consider dense, dark green evergreens like Taxus cuspidata or certain cultivars of Thuja that will make the glaucous needles of the Cedrus atlantica (Glauca Group) ‘Glauca Pendula’ truly pop. Avoid overly vigorous groundcovers that might compete aggressively for moisture at the base of the tree during its establishment period.

Design Ideas for Weeping Conifers

The dramatic cascading nature of this conifer lends itself perfectly to Japanese-inspired or meditative garden designs. Place the tree near a subtle water feature or a collection of carefully placed stones to enhance its contemplative aesthetic. When trained upright to 8-10 feet, the skirt of needles creates an interesting natural canopy, potentially allowing for low-growing shade-tolerant plants to thrive beneath its branches.

Alternatively, use the Blue atlas cedar as a strong vertical accent in a contemporary planting scheme, contrasting its organic, flowing lines against sharp architectural elements like modern retaining walls or metal sculptures. Because of its slow growth rate, it serves as a permanent feature that requires minimal reshaping over decades, providing a reliable visual anchor point in the landscape design.