Español  English  

Consulta Plantas

Gardening and plant care since 2001

Find plants

Care of the plant Cedrus atlantica or Atlas cedar.

Care of the tree Cedrus atlantica or Atlas cedar

The genus Cedrus, family Pinaceae, comprises 4 species of large trees native to the Mediterranean region and the Himalayas. The species are: Cedrus atlantica, Cedrus libani, Cedrus brevifolia, Cedrus deodara.

Common name: Atlas cedar. This species is native to Morocco.

They are long-lived trees of relatively fast growth and pyramidal bearing that reach 40 meters (131.23 feet) in height. The interesting foliage is formed by needles (leaves) of light green or bluish color, depending on the variety. They produce female and male flowers that are not interesting from an ornamental point of view. Pineapples can take up to 2 years to mature.

They are used in large gardens and in public parks. There are smaller varieties suitable for small and medium gardens.

Cedrus atlantica needs full exposure to are (tolerates summer heat); they resist frosts of -25 ºC (-13 ºF).

They can grow in any deep, well-drained, dry soil. Transplant only when they are very young.

Irrigation should be moderate, waiting for the soil to have completely dried out. They resist drought and fear high humidity.

Fertilize in early spring with nitrogen-rich mineral fertilizer.

They do not need pruning.

Its main enemy is overwatering which can rot the roots.

They propagate by seeds sown in spring but it's a rather slow process.

Images of the tree Cedrus atlantica or Atlas cedar

Cedrus atlantica
Cedrus atlantica
Cedrus atlantica
Cedrus atlantica