Blue Atlas Cedar

This tree looks like Cedrus atlantica apart from the intense blue-grey colour of its needles. Cedrus atlantica Glauca Group is a very tall, slow-growing, clear-stem, evergreen conifer with a conical habit at first, maturing to a broad, flat-topped crown with spreading branches. At first, the bark is grey and smooth, but it becomes rougher as the tree matures, peeling off in plates to reveal the reddish-brown bark underneath. The needles, arranged in whorls, are a silvery blue-green, but this form is variable, so choose one with a good colour. The flowers are insignificant, followed by small barrel-shaped cones, green at first, maturing over two years to pale brown. This is a very large tree that needs a lot of space – ideal for an open position in a park. From the Atlas mountains of Morocco. Is also sold under its old name of C. atlantica 'Glauca'.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any well-drained soil; tolerates drought once established
Position: Full sun – needs an open position
Season of interest: All year
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: over 100’ (30.5m) Spread: up to 49’ (15m) in 20-50 years