How to Grow Nana Deodar Cedar
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Nana Deodar Cedar
Cedrus deodara 'Nana'
treeNana Deodar Cedar is a compact, dwarf cultivar of the Himalayan Cedar, prized for its silvery-blue to gray-green needles and graceful, weeping branching habit. This slow-growing evergreen conifer reaches only 8-15 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide at maturity, making it ideal for smaller landscapes and specimen plantings. It maintains its ornamental character year-round with distinctive cascading foliage and a naturally pyramidal to spreading form.
When should you plant Nana Deodar Cedar in your zone?
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Example Nana Deodar Cedar timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Nana Deodar 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 Nana Deodar Cedar
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Nana Deodar Cedar dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 7-9; performs best in warm, temperate climates
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Get my Nana Deodar Cedar timeline →Growth Stages
Young Sapling (Year 1-2)
1-2 yearsSmall tree with delicate needle foliage and developing weeping branch structure. Foliage color ranges from silvery-blue to gray-green.
Water regularly and deeply to establish roots. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Protect from harsh winds and intense afternoon sun in hot regions.
Establishment Phase (Year 3-5)
3-5 yearsTree develops its characteristic graceful, cascading branching habit. Pyramid-like form becomes more pronounced. Growth slows as tree settles into site.
Reduce watering frequency as roots establish. Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring if growth seems slow. Minimal pruning needed; remove only dead or crossing branches.
Structural Development (Year 6-15)
6-15 yearsTree reaches 50-75% of mature size with fully developed weeping form. Branching structure becomes elegant and distinctive. Canopy fills out and becomes denser.
Water during drought periods. Very little pruning required; light shaping in late winter if needed. Monitor for any pest or disease issues. Stake or support if needed in windy locations.
Mature Tree (Year 15+)
15+ yearsFull-sized specimen at 8-15 feet tall with complete weeping, cascading appearance and silvery-blue to gray foliage. Striking silhouette and ornamental presence.
Minimal maintenance required. Water during extended droughts. No fertilizer needed. Prune only for shape or dead wood removal. Enjoy as landscape focal point.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe. Increase humidity around plant. Neem oil as organic option.
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Keep tree healthy and well-watered to reduce stress. Remove heavily infested branches. Insecticidal bark sprays in early spring as preventive.
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Monitor for white fuzzy clusters on branches. Prune out affected branches. Apply horticultural oil in dormant season.
Uses
Specimen Landscape Plant
CraftNana Deodar Cedar serves as an exceptional ornamental focal point in gardens, featuring distinctive weeping form and silvery-blue foliage that provides year-round visual interest and architectural structure to landscapes. [source]
Screening and Windbreak
HouseholdThe dense, cascading branching habit makes it useful for providing visual screening, privacy barriers, or windbreak protection in smaller spaces where full-size deodars would be too large. [source]
Japanese and Asian Gardens
CraftThe graceful, weeping habit and fine texture align well with Japanese garden aesthetics, making it popular for zen gardens, bonsai cultivation, and Asian-inspired landscape designs. [source]
Wildlife Shelter and Nesting
WildlifeThe dense evergreen foliage provides excellent shelter, roosting, and nesting habitat for birds and small mammals throughout the year, supporting local wildlife populations. [source]
Aromatic Essential Oil
CulinaryCedar wood from Cedrus deodara species yields a fragrant essential oil used in perfumery, aromatherapy, and traditional medicine. The silvery foliage releases pleasant resinous scent when brushed. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not applicable for ornamental use. For seed collection (if desired): Collect mature cones in fall/early winter when they begin to open, dry them, and extract seeds for propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Deodar' comes from the Sanskrit word 'Devadaru,' meaning 'timber of the gods,' as these trees were considered sacred in Himalayan cultures and used in temple construction.
- 🌱 Nana Deodar Cedar is a genetic dwarf cultivar that grows extremely slowly (only 6-12 inches per year), making it ideal for patient gardeners who want a distinctive, long-lived specimen tree.
- 🌱 The silvery-blue color of the foliage is due to a waxy coating (bloom) on the needles that helps the tree withstand intense Himalayan sun and reflects excess heat, and this coloration intensifies in full sun exposure.
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