Cedrus atlantica f. FASTIGIATA GLAUCA

If you like cedars or perhaps if you are a collector or maybe just an enthusiast don’t miss this one. It is a beautiful example of a form that is rarely seen in private gardens or arboretums.

Fastigiata Glauca is a blue green or silvery blue version of an attractive form of Atlas cedar Fastigiata with strictly narrow, columnar habit. Its lateral branches are short and densely cover the leader. If a branch goes mad and grows too long in the unwanted direction just clip it, any time of year. Other pruning is not required or even suggested. It grows slowly.

While the green version Fastigiata is a great substitute for the Italian cypress which is not hardy in central Europe, this bluish form is welcome for its extra colour in any garden where a narrow, columnar tree will enhance the landscape. It will look terrific combined with shrubs of entirely different shapes such as mound-forming azaleas or cushions of lavenders, and ball-shaped box or similar other plants.

Atlas cedar will grow in almost any well-drained soil, even chalky, and full sun. Fertilizing is not necessary but if you feel your soil is too poor add some slow-release fertilizer once a year in early spring. Although Atlas cedar is hardy to about -25°C (USDA zone 6) we have not tested it in elevated, mountainous areas with long lasting frosts and in frost pockets.

Last update 16-02-2010