Blue Atlas cedar 'Glauca Pendula' Cedrus atlantica (Glauca Group) 'Glauca Pendula'

Water

The Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar requires watering once or twice a week during its growing season, and less frequently during the winter months. The amount of water needed depends on the soil moisture level, but as a general rule, it should receive about 1 to 2 gallons per watering session for young trees, to ensure deep soil penetration and to encourage a strong root system. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for the best results, which allows the water to penetrate slowly to the roots without disturbing the soil or causing runoff. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to maintain consistent soil moisture.

Light

The Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. The best spot for this plant is in an open area where it is not overshadowed by taller structures or trees, ensuring it gets unfiltered sunlight which is critical for its growth and health. Avoid shaded areas as they can lead to poor growth and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Temperature

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar prefers cooler climates with temperatures ranging from 30°F in the winter to 80°F in the summer as ideal conditions. It can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F and can tolerate summer highs up to 100°F. However, providing shade during the peak summer heat can help prevent stress on the tree if temperatures consistently exceed these ranges.

Pruning

Pruning the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar is generally done to maintain a desired shape and size or to remove any dead or damaged branches. The best time for pruning is in the late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Pruning can be done every few years or as needed to preserve the weeping form. When pruning, always use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts without harming the tree.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of loam, peat, and sharp sand to ensure proper drainage. The ideal soil pH for this conifer is neutral to slightly acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. Regular soil tests are recommended to maintain the appropriate pH levels for optimal growth.

Repotting

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, being a slowly growing tree, does not require frequent repotting. It should be repotted every 3 to 5 years, or when you notice that the current pot is becoming too small to accommodate its growth. Care should be taken to minimize root disturbance during the repotting process.

Humidity & Misting

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar prefers a moderate level of humidity, typical of outdoor environments. It is well-suited to the natural fluctuations in humidity and does not require a specific humidity level to thrive. Avoid excessively dry indoor environments which can stress the plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Not ideal for indoor growth; requires full sun, space.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, ensure enough space for mature size.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula') starts its life cycle as a seed in the cone, which upon maturation, disperses in the environment to germinate in favorable conditions. After germination, the seedling emerges and begins to establish its root system, followed by the development of a weeping, twisted trunk and gracefully-draped, silver-blue needle-like leaves. As it moves into the juvenile phase, the tree slowly grows and may take several years to develop a distinctive architecture, unique to each specimen due to its weeping habit. Once mature, it starts reproducing by producing both male and female cones on the same tree, with the male cones releasing pollen which fertilizes the female cones. The mature tree goes through annual cycles of growth, cone production, and dormancy, typically enduring for many decades. Eventually, after a long life often exceeding a century, the tree will reach the end of its life cycle, at which point it will die back and decompose, returning nutrients back to the soil.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Winter to Early Spring

• The most popular method for propagating the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar is through grafting. This technique involves attaching a cutting from the desired cultivar, in this case 'Glauca Pendula', onto a rootstock of a more common Cedar variety that is hardy and vigorous. The best time for grafting is typically in late winter or early spring, just before the growing season begins. The scion, which is a young shoot or twig from the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, is carefully selected for its healthy appearance and is then fused onto the rootstock by making complementary cuts on both pieces and binding them together. The graft union is then sealed with grafting wax or tape to prevent dessication and infection. After grafting, the new plant is kept under controlled conditions until the graft union is well established and the new plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions.