Cedrus atlantica Glauca

Common Name: Blue Atlas Cedar

Description:
The Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca') is a stunning evergreen conifer prized for its striking silvery-blue foliage and majestic presence. Native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa, this cultivar is known for its upright growth habit when young, eventually developing a broad, open crown with spreading branches. The dense, needle-like leaves are arranged in clusters, creating a unique, textured appearance. This slow-growing tree thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun, making it ideal for Melbourne’s climate. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance. Often used as a feature tree in large gardens and parks, the Blue Atlas Cedar is an excellent choice for those seeking a long-lived, architectural statement plant.

Form:

• Tree - Large

Mature Size:

• Height: 15–25 m
• Width: 10–15 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

Flowering:

• Does not flower (produces cones instead)

Flower Colour:

• N/A (produces upright, barrel-shaped cones)

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Large Gardens & Parks
• Drought Tolerant Once Established
• Disease Resistant
• Long-Lived
• Ornamental Silvery-Blue Foliage
• Suitable for Feature Planting

Toxicity:

• Not known to be toxic to humans or animals

Companion Plants:

• Other conifers such as Pinus, Cupressus, and Juniperus species
• Drought-tolerant shrubs like Lavandula (Lavender), Santolina, and Perovskia (Russian Sage)