Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica)

Overview

The Atlas cedar, scientifically known as Cedrus atlantica, stands as a stately, long-lived conifer native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa. This tree is highly valued in large landscapes for its dramatic evergreen presence and developing flat-topped crown, which offers unique architectural interest as it matures. Gardeners appreciate the true cedar designation and the variation in foliage color that can range from deep green to attractive silver-blue among seed-raised specimens.

Cedrus atlantica requires committed space, as mature heights often reach 40 to 60 feet with substantial spreads. While generally hardy, its structure transitions from a loose pyramid when young to a broad, spreading canopy in maturity, creating long, dramatic branches perfect for specimen planting. Its resilience, once established, makes the Atlas cedar a powerful focal point in expansive properties.

Although it is a non-flowering conifer, the visual appeal of the textured needles and the overall majestic form provides year-round garden structure. Successful cultivation of this magnificent evergreen hinges on providing the right location, ensuring excellent drainage is paramount to success across its hardiness range.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Pinaceae
• Plant Type: Needled evergreen
• Native Range: Northern Africa
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 40-60 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

The Atlas cedar thrives when planted thoughtfully in the spring or fall, allowing it time to establish before facing summer heat or deep winter freezes. The most critical cultural requirement is soil structure; Cedrus atlantica absolutely requires deep, well-drained, acidic loams. Avoid heavy clay sites where water may pool, as this can quickly lead to root issues, despite its drought tolerance later on.

Water established trees moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between deep waterings. While drought tolerant once established, consistent moisture during the first few years significantly helps root development. Fertilization is generally unnecessary if the soil is deep and reasonably fertile; focus instead on maintaining suitable soil pH. Pruning is usually minimal, as the natural habit of the Atlas cedar is highly desirable, though removing damaged or crossing limbs can improve air circulation.

Gardeners in borderline zones must heed the culture notes: while hardy in Zones 6-9, certain microclimates within Zone 6 might prove too harsh. In these areas, plant Cedrus atlantica in a protected location, perhaps near a south-facing building wall, which offers some insulation from prevailing winter winds and reduces desiccation potential.

Landscape Uses

The primary, and arguably best, role for the Atlas cedar in the landscape is as a specimen plant. Due to its eventual great size, it needs significant open space to allow its massive structure and spreading branch architecture to be fully appreciated without crowding nearby structures or other trees. It serves as a powerful anchor in large lawn areas or at the terminus of long sightlines.

When utilized as a focal point, ensure the surrounding plantings are kept low or subordinate to highlight the texture and form of the cedar. Consider pairing it with contrasting textures, perhaps softer deciduous shrubs or groundcovers in the foreground. Avoid placing it where heavy snow accumulation might cause branch breakage, as this highly visible damage detracts significantly from its majestic form.

For larger estates or arboretums, planting a grouping of Cedrus atlantica when young can result in a spectacular, low-needled, evergreen grove when mature, offering excellent screening and year-round visual interest.

Standout Features

Noteworthy Characteristics

Cedrus atlantica, commonly called Atlas cedar, is an evergreen conifer native to the Atlas Mountains in northern Africa. Mature specimens can reach 40-60’ (less frequently to 120’) tall. It is one of the true cedars, exhibiting a habit that is usually loose pyramidal when young, becoming more flat-topped with long spreading branches as it ages, featuring 1” long needles held in tufted clusters. Seed raised specimens often display appealing variation in foliage color from green to striking silver-blue.

Tolerances

• Drought

Potential Problems

This magnificent Atlas cedar generally resists serious insect or disease issues under appropriate conditions. The most common non-pathological issue encountered is physical damage: heavy snow loads in winter can sometimes lead to broken branches, especially on younger specimens or if the canopy has not yet developed its full strength. Culturally, ensure excellent drainage to prevent root issues. Tip blight, a fungal problem, can occasionally occur but is usually manageable with good air circulation and proper siting for your Cedrus atlantica.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Atlas cedar suitable for?

The Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9.

How large does Atlas cedar grow?

Mature specimens typically reach a height between 40 and 60 feet, with a spread ranging from 30 to 40 feet, though they can occasionally grow much taller in ideal conditions.

What sun exposure does Cedrus atlantica need?

Cedrus atlantica requires full sun exposure to develop the best form and densest foliage.

When does Atlas cedar bloom?

This plant is a non-flowering conifer; it produces cones rather than traditional flowers.

Conclusion

The majestic Cedrus atlantica provides indispensable structure and presence in the landscape through any season, marked by its impressive size potential and often silver-tinged needles. As one of the true cedars, the Atlas cedar commands attention as a long-term specimen investment. Always verify that your site offers the deep, well-drained soil and full sun exposure this magnificent tree requires before planting.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for the stately Atlas cedar, focus on species that share similar needs for well-drained soil and full sun, particularly medium water requirements once established. Consider broadleaf evergreens or slow-mounding shrubs that contrast with the cedar’s vertical ascent and blue-green texture. Underplanting with low-growing Junipers or certain low-maintenance rhododendrons (in acidic soil) can create beautiful textural layers that do not compete aggressively with the cedar’s primary root zone.

Design Ideas

Utilize the Cedrus atlantica primarily as a specimen to anchor large garden rooms or transition areas in extensive landscapes. In formal designs, its symmetrical form when young is valuable, but allow space for its mature, sweeping branch habit to develop organically. For year-round screening against less attractive views, a staggered grouping of three can provide a significantly more dynamic backdrop than a uniform single species hedge, while maintaining the desired evergreen character.