Cedrus atlantica 'Horstmann'

Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar
Pinaceae
Evergreen, Trees

CEDRUS

From the Atlas Mountains of North Africa, the eastern Mediterranean, and the Himalayas. These, the true cedars, are among the most widely grown conifers in Western gardens. Cedars bear needles in tufted clusters. Cone scales, like those of firs (Abies), fall from tree, leaving a spiky core behind. Male catkins produce prodigious amounts of pollen that may cover you with yellow dust on a windy day.

Plant in deep, well-drained soil. All species are deep rooted and drought tolerant once established. Some botanists contend that the several Mediterranean species are just geographic variants of a single species.

Cedrus atlantica

Native to North Africa. Slow to moderate growth to 60 ft. or taller. Open, angular growth in youth. Branches usually get too long and heavy on young trees unless tips are pinched out or cut back; branches of any age tend to break in heavy snows. Growth naturally less open with age. Less spreading than other true cedars, but still needs a 30 ft. circle. Needles, less than 1 in. long, are bluish green.

'Horstmann'

Dense, dwarf form to just 10 ft. tall after 10 years. Needles are blue-gray.