Cedrus

The genus Cedar (Cedrus) includes 4 evergreen coniferous tree species that reach significant sizes. Thin needle-shaped leaves on young branches are arranged in a spiral pattern. Leaves-needles of more mature plants are shorter and collected on branches in bundles of 15-50. Erect cones, consisting of very densely arranged scales, are formed only on the upper branches of an adult specimen, hang on the plant for a long time, then open, and seeds pour out of them. The Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) grows naturally in the Atlas Mountains of Northwestern Africa. It is an erect plant with a conical crown; branches of the first order are directed upwards. The gray-black smooth bark of young plants is glossy, while in adults it is cracked; the blue-green needles are stiff and short. The cones are first green-blue, then light brown, with a depressed tip. Widely distributed as an ornamental plant Atlas cedar 'Bluish' with needles of almost blue color. Some other forms are listed below. The Hanging Tree has a curved trunk and drooping branches. 'Pointed' it has a columnar shape. The Himalayan cedar (C. deodora) originated from the highest mountain regions of Asia (the Himalayas). The crown is wide and pyramidal, the branches are located almost horizontally. The needles are longer (up to 5 cm) and softer than those of other cedars, and are colored green with a gray tint. The reddish-brown cones are longer than those of Atlas cedar and mature within 2 years. Low cedar Himalayan 'Hanging' is characterized by hanging branches. The cedar of Lebanon (C. libani) is native to the Middle East, mainly from Lebanon, Syria and Turkey. It is characterized by slower growth compared to other species. The crown of young plants is pyramidal, then grows, that is, the branches stretch out in a horizontal direction; the bark is dark gray. Short, stiff needles are painted in shades of dark green. Approximately 10-centimeter cones have a brown color. Common: 'Golden' -with golden-yellow needles and 'Dwarf' - low, with very slow growth.

The genus Cedar (Cedrus) includes 4 evergreen coniferous tree species that reach significant sizes. Thin needle-shaped leaves on young branches are arranged in a spiral pattern. Leaves-needles of more mature plants are shorter and collected on branches in bundles of 15-50. Erect cones, consisting of very densely arranged scales, are formed only on the upper branches of an adult specimen, hang on the plant for a long time, then open, and seeds pour out of them.

The Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) grows naturally in the Atlas Mountains of Northwestern Africa. It is an erect plant with a conical crown; branches of the first order are directed upwards. The gray-black smooth bark of young plants is glossy, while in adults it is cracked; the blue-green needles are stiff and short. The cones are first green-blue, then light brown, with a depressed tip. Widely distributed as an ornamental plant Atlas cedar 'Bluish' with needles of almost blue color. Some other forms are listed below. The Hanging Tree has a curved trunk and drooping branches. 'Pointed' it has a columnar shape.

The Himalayan cedar (C. deodora) originated from the highest mountain regions of Asia (the Himalayas). The crown is wide and pyramidal, the branches are located almost horizontally. The needles are longer (up to 5 cm) and softer than those of other cedars, and are colored green with a gray tint. The reddish-brown cones are longer than those of Atlas cedar and mature within 2 years. Low cedar Himalayan 'Hanging' is characterized by hanging branches.

The cedar of Lebanon (C. libani) is native to the Middle East, mainly from Lebanon, Syria and Turkey. It is characterized by slower growth compared to other species. The crown of young plants is pyramidal, then grows, that is, the branches stretch out in a horizontal direction; the bark is dark gray. Short, stiff needles are painted in shades of dark green. Approximately 10-centimeter cones have a brown color. Common: 'Golden' -with golden-yellow needles and 'Dwarf' - low, with very slow growth.

Cultivation

Usually, cedars are grown in single plantings in parks and gardens. They are widely used because of their rapid growth, as well as their resistance to diseases, pests and environmental pollution. Cedars can be planted in November (in areas with harsh climates) or March (in temperate climates). Any soil is suitable - as long as it is well drained and water does not stagnate in it.

Location

Cedars prefer open sun, but they also prefer partial shade.

Temperature

These are quite hardy plants that can withstand even very low temperatures. However, they are only afraid of too long frosts.

Watering

Water only young plants-immediately after planting seedlings in a permanent place on the site.

Care

The most beautiful natural form of cedar rarely requires pruning. It is better to limit yourself to deleting dead and separate unsuccessfully located branches.

Reproduction

Cedars are propagated by seed. They are sown in March-in a protected place or in April-outdoors in the usual seed soil. When the seedlings reach a height of about 10 cm, they are planted singly in containers, and after 3-4 years the resulting seedlings are planted in a permanent place. Seed-derived specimens may not retain the properties of the parent plant. In this case, since propagation by cuttings is quite difficult, it is better to resort to grafting.

Diseases

Diseases and pests do not particularly "annoy" the cedar. In addition, plants are well resistant to environmental pollution.

Acquisition

Cedars are quite easy to find on sale, especially Atlas cedar 'Blue', in the largest horticultural centers and nurseries offering a wide range of crops. Buy small plants. Given that they have a fairly fast growth rate, the best thing is to immediately plant them in the open ground.