Cedrus deodara

Common name: Deodar Cedar

Description: This magnificent evergreen conifer from the Himalayas is one of the most graceful and elegant large conifers for British gardens, renowned for its distinctive weeping habit and soft, sweeping branches. The tree develops a characteristic pyramidal form with a pronounced drooping leader at the apex and gracefully cascading lower branches that create a romantic, elegant silhouette. The needle-like foliage is arranged in dense clusters and varies from blue-green to grey-green, with new growth emerging in bright silvery-green tones that create beautiful contrast in spring. The needles are softer and longer than most cedars, adding to the tree's graceful appearance. In autumn, upright barrel-shaped cones develop, maturing to brown and adding architectural interest. The grey-brown bark becomes deeply fissured with age, developing character over time. This is a fast-growing conifer that creates an impressive specimen, eventually developing into a majestic tree with sweeping branches that can touch the ground. The combination of weeping habit, soft blue-green foliage, and impressive stature makes this outstanding for large gardens, parkland settings, or creating dramatic focal points. Young trees are particularly beautiful with their distinctly drooping form.

Other benefits: graceful weeping habit, soft blue-green foliage, fast-growing, architectural form, develops impressive stature, attractive cones, dramatic specimen tree

Wildlife attraction: provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, cones attract seed-eating birds

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 6m x 3m

Position: full sun to partial shade; best in open position with room to develop

Soil pH: adaptable to most soils; performs well in neutral to slightly acidic conditions; tolerates alkaline soils

Moisture: moderate watering required when young; drought tolerant once established; prefers well-drained soil

Winter hardiness: hardy to -20°C once established; young plants benefit from shelter from cold winds