Atlas cedar ‘Glauca Pendula’ is distinct for its weeping form and the color of its needles. A cultivar of Cedrus atlantica, its name refers to its color (“glauca” being a Latin word for silvery blue-green) and its downward-hanging branches (pendula). Gardeners love this evergreen tree for providing winter interest. It is also drought-tolerant.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca Pendula’ (Atlas Cedar) is a stunning evergreen coniferous tree of pendulous habit adorned with a serpentine leader bearing gracefully weeping branches. Its dense limbs are thickly covered with clusters of short, steel-blue needles, adding charm to this picturesque tree. Fast-growing, 12-24 in. per year (30-60 cm), this Blue Atlas Cedar can be staked or trained to form any shape you wish, from narrow-upright (if staked) to cascading in a variety of directions. It is spectacular when trained to form an archway, espalier, ground cover, or as a magnificent specimen. A terrific living sculpture in the landscape. Heat and drought tolerant.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Atlas cedar ‘Glauca Pendula’ does best in full sun or partial shade. You should plant your atlas cedar ‘Glauca Pendula’ in a location that receives a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature
Atlas cedar ‘Glauca Pendula’ is quite cold-tolerant but should only be planted where winter temperatures stay above -18 ℃. It’ll tolerate some drought once established but may need to be watered in periods of extreme heat and drought. In soggy soil, atlas cedar ‘Glauca Pendula’ is susceptible to root rot.
Watering
Originating from the Atlas Mountains, atlas cedar ‘Glauca Pendula’ is accustomed to a temperate climate with moderate water availability. This species thrives in conditions that mimic its mountainous habitat, exhibiting a preference for consistent moisture without being waterlogged. Watering should be done once every week to maintain its health. Atlas cedar ‘Glauca Pendula’ is typically grown outdoors due to its size and structural presence. As an evergreen plant, it requires careful consideration of soil moisture levels throughout the year to support its continuous foliage display.
Soil
Atlas cedar ‘Glauca Pendula’ is easy to please and can be grown in a variety of soil types, including clay, sand, and loam. The tree thrives in moist and well-drained soils and will tolerate some drought too. Atlas cedar ‘Glauca Pendula’ also tolerates a wide range of soil pH levels, from strongly acidic to mildly alkaline, or a pH between 5.1 and 7.8.
Fertilizing
For atlas cedar ‘Glauca Pendula’, a balanced nutrition fertilizer suits its growth. Apply during late winter to early spring annually to enhance vigor. Follow label instructions for quantity, typically 1/4 pound per inch of trunk diameter. Over-fertilizing can damage atlas cedar ‘Glauca Pendula’, so caution is advised. Seasonal changes could adjust application frequency, but always sparingly to prevent root burn. Incorporate fertilizer into the soil around the tree’s drip line for best results.
Planting Instructions
To plant your atlas cedar ‘Glauca Pendula’, select a site with full sun or partial shade and dig a hole slightly larger than your tree’s pot or root ball. For best results, add some compost to the hole. Place your tree in and fill in around it, ensuring that the soil is at the same level as it was in the pot. Firmly pack soil around the roots and pack down the final layer with your feet. Water your atlas cedar ‘Glauca Pendula’ in well.
Pruning
If you have the space to let your atlas cedar ‘Glauca Pendula’ grow, there’s no need to prune. However, the tree can be pruned in early spring before it begins putting on new growth. You can prune to shape it or to prevent it from growing too close to structures or other trees. You can also prune dead or damaged limbs.
When pruning, always sanitize your pruning saw in between trees. This can help prevent the spread of fungal diseases and bacteria from tree to tree.
Propagation
Atlas cedar ‘Glauca Pendula’ is a cultivar of a majestic evergreen conifer with weeping branches and silvery-blue needles. Propagation is primarily achieved through sowing. Gardeners should use fresh seeds, as older ones have lower germination rates. Stratification, a process of chilling seeds, can enhance germination, but it requires patience and care. Gentle handling is crucial to avoid damaging delicate roots during transplantation of seedlings.
Transpalnting
Atlas cedar ‘Glauca Pendula’ prefers to be transplanted between early spring and late spring or mid-fall to early winter when roots can establish in cool, moist soil. Choose a sunny, well-drained location to foster its graceful growth efficiently.
III. Uses and Benefits
This dramatic weeping evergreen makes a special addition to any landscape. Superb specimen for minimal-care gardens. Naturally slow-growing with a sprawling horizontal habit, though often trained into an upright, serpentine form. Pendant branchlets display icy-blue needles, creating a graceful, waterfall-like effect. Use this tree to draw attention to desired locations in your yard. Stake the branches upright to allow the drooping branches to form a waterfall effect or allow it to frame features in the landscape.
