How to Grow Blue Atlas Cedar, Weeping Blue Cedar
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Blue Atlas Cedar, Weeping Blue Cedar
Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula'
treeA striking weeping conifer with silvery-blue foliage and gracefully drooping branches that cascade downward in a fountain-like form. This cultivar of the Atlas Cedar is prized as an ornamental specimen tree for its distinctive pendulous habit and year-round color. It grows slowly to moderately and creates a dramatic focal point in landscapes.
When should you plant Blue Atlas Cedar, Weeping Blue Cedar in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Blue Atlas Cedar, Weeping Blue Cedar timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Blue Atlas Cedar, Weeping Blue Cedar
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Blue Atlas Cedar, Weeping Blue Cedar
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Blue Atlas Cedar, Weeping Blue Cedar dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-9; hardy to zone 5b with protection
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Get my Blue Atlas Cedar, Weeping Blue Cedar timeline →Growth Stages
Nursery/Young Plant
First year after plantingCompact weeping form with silvery-blue needles, typically 1-3 feet tall at purchase
Provide afternoon shade in hot climates during first summer. Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Stake if needed to establish desired form. Avoid root disturbance.
Establishment
2-5 yearsProgressive growth with developing weeping branch structure, deepening blue color, 3-8 feet tall
Continue consistent watering schedule. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base, keeping away from trunk. Prune only to remove dead or diseased branches. Allow natural form to develop.
Maturation
5-15 yearsFull weeping form with cascading branches, densely foliated with silvery-blue needles, 15-25 feet tall
Reduce supplemental watering as drought tolerance increases. Prune selectively to maintain form and remove crossing branches. Monitor for pest issues.
Full Maturity
15+ yearsFully developed weeping specimen tree with graceful fountain-like silhouette, maximum height 25-35 feet
Minimal maintenance; drought-tolerant. Prune only for shaping or removal of dead wood. Watch for scale insects and spider mites in stressed conditions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor foliage regularly; spray with horticultural oil in dormant season or use insecticidal soap on crawler stage; prune heavily infested branches
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Increase humidity with misting; use miticide spray if severe; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap for heavy infestations; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
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Maintain tree health through proper watering and care; remove and destroy infested branches; may require professional arborist intervention
Uses
Specimen Ornamental Tree
LandscapeHighly valued as a focal point plant in formal and contemporary landscapes due to its distinctive weeping form and striking blue-gray foliage year-round. [source]
Water Feature Alternative
LandscapeThe cascading, fountain-like branching habit creates visual movement in gardens, providing dynamic interest and elegant focal point comparable to water features. [source]
Wildlife Habitat
WildlifeProvides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals; cedar foliage and seed cones attract various wildlife species. [source]
Traditional Cedar Uses
MedicinalCedar essential oils derived from related Cedrus species have been used traditionally in aromatherapy and herbal medicine; however, this tree is primarily ornamental. [source]
Fragrant Wood and Foliage
CraftCedar wood is aromatic and prized for craft projects, furniture, and storage; dried foliage can be used in sachets or potpourri. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental tree, not harvested for food or fiber. Remove dead branches in late winter/early spring. Prune selectively in early summer if needed to maintain form. Collect seed cones (cedars) in fall if desired for propagation, though seeds may not produce identical weeping cultivars.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula' is a weeping sport mutation of the regular Atlas Cedar, discovered in cultivation; it requires grafting onto a standard rootstock to maintain the true weeping form.
- 🌱 The silvery-blue foliage color is more intense in full sun and cooler climates; trees grown in shade or warm regions may display less dramatic coloring.
- 🌱 Unlike many deciduous weeping trees, this evergreen conifer maintains its visual impact throughout winter, providing year-round landscape interest.
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