![weeping blue atlas cedar weeping blue atlas cedar](http://www.whatgrowsthere.com/grow/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Cedrus-atlantica-Glauca-Pendula-1.jpg)
The coldest winter temperature this tree will withstand for long lengths of time is -10° F. In terms of USDA hardiness zones, it will thrive in zones 6-9. Weeping blue atlas cedar hardinessĪ native of the Atlas Mountains that run across the top of the African continent, the weeping blue atlas cedar has good cold tolerance, but should not be considered extremely cold tolerant. This image shows the immature male cones on the left and then the mature male cones about to disperse pollen on the right. The plain species of this tree frequently produces female cones, but on the weeping form, the cones are rarely seen except for on extremely mature specimens. The female cones take two years to mature and disperse seed. The male cones produce pollen in the fall which fertilizes the female cones. The blue needles of the weeping blue atlas cedar are short and borne in tight clusters.īoth the upright species and its weeping form are monoecious conifers, meaning each plant produces separate male and female cones. Sometimes they have a curvy serpentine shape while other times they have less structure and are more wild-looking. The contorted growth habit of the weeping blue atlas tree means that each tree is unique, so when choosing one at the nursery, take some time to look at the structure of the plant and pick one that appeals to you. They are only about an inch long and are produced in dense clusters along the branches of the tree. It’s a slow grower that takes years to reach its mature size, but boy is it worth the wait! It’s shaped more like a droopy blob than a pyramid.
![weeping blue atlas cedar weeping blue atlas cedar](https://i.redd.it/tqg94s8fai021.jpg)
Unlike the giant stature of the parent forms, the weeping blue atlas cedar tops out at just 10 to 15 feet in height with a spread between 15 and 20 feet. The tree I’m focusing on in this article is Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca Pendula’, the weeping blue atlas cedar, a cultivated variety of the “parent” selection that has a weeping growth habit instead of an upright one. Both of these specimens are lovely trees worth growing, but they reach a whopping 60 to 100 feet tall. It is also upright in form and pyramid shaped. The variety known the blue atlas cedar is Cedrus atlantica var. While we don’t use this tree for such purposes nowadays, it is still an interesting addition to the landscape.
![weeping blue atlas cedar weeping blue atlas cedar](https://mobileimages.lowes.com/product/converted/009259/009259154007.jpg)
The ancient Egyptians used oils from this tree in the embalming process and for incense and cosmetics.
![weeping blue atlas cedar weeping blue atlas cedar](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/EzS_w56sBJIwEd6ScTopxP_dESM=/2121x1414/filters:fill(auto,1)/landscape-with-majestic-weeping-blue-atlas-cedar--cedrus-atlantica-glauca-pendula--in--massandra-park--crimea--sunny-autumn-day--1211857660-075d882b3b7242f5bcd0c02eae4051dd.jpg)
Known simply as the atlas cedar ( Cedrus atlantica), it is upright and pyramidal in its growth habit. What is a weeping blue atlas cedar?įirst, I’d like to tell you about the “parent” tree of this beautiful weeping variety. Weeping blue atlas cedars make beautiful and unusual landscape specimens. Let me introduce you to this lovely plant and share all the know-how you need to grow it successfully. A perfect specimen for adding a dramatic focal point to your garden, the weeping blue atlas cedar may look like a tree that’s a challenge to grow, but that isn’t the case. If the sculptural form and cascading branches don’t stop you in your tracks, the gray-blue color of the foliage certainly will. There is nothing quite like a weeping blue atlas cedar ( Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca Pendula’).