Trees

Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca'

Blue Atlas cedar

Mature blue Atlas cedar at Orland E. White Research Arboretum. Photo: Melofors / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0. photograph, not current inventory.

Blue Atlas cedar makes an open, architectural evergreen specimen with stiff, ascending branches and short silver-blue needles. Its outline starts pyramidal, then broadens with age and may develop a flattened crown. Allow generous room around this vigorous tree so its branching structure and persistent blue color can be appreciated.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun
Size: Height: 25 ft, supplier garden size, not ultimate size · Width: 15 ft, supplier garden size
Water: Water regularly while establishing; established trees tolerate dry periods. Avoid prolonged saturation.
Hardiness: USDA zone 6 minimum

Sizes & prices

#5Blue Atlas Cedar$224.99
#2Call for price

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Form: Broad upright; pyramidal, broadening with age
Growth rate: 15+ inches/year (grower estimate)
Use: Large architectural specimen; allow room for the crown to broaden.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Cedars are generally less favored by deer; this is not a deer-proof planting.
Drought: Tolerant once established; species-level guidance.
Wet soil: Good drainage required.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Evergreen; silver-blue needles

Growing & care

Soil: Adaptable to clay, loam or sand and a range of pH, provided drainage is good.
Pruning: Preserve its natural branching; prune lightly in early spring only where needed, retaining foliage on shortened branches.
Issues: Snow can break branches; watch for needle scale. Shed needles and branchlets can be messy near paving.

Sources & photo credits

Iseli Nursery

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

www.udel.edu

Cloud Mountain Farm Center

Photo: Melofors · CC0 1.0

Image notes: Mature blue Atlas cedar at Orland E. White Research Arboretum. Photo: Melofors / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0. Wikimedia 960 px thumbnail; no other edits. photograph, not current inventory.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.