Atlas Cedar Plant Care

Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) belongs to the Pinaceae family within the Cedrus genus. Atlas Cedar is native to the Rif and Atlas Mountains of Morocco, and to the Tell Atlas in Algeria. Atlas Cedar is also known as Blue Atlas Cedar, Moroccan Cedar.

Atlas Cedar displays a tall, conical tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Atlas Cedar produces small, inconspicuous cones.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Atlas Cedar every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Atlas Cedar thrives in full sun.

Cedrus atlantica tolerates temperatures of 0–90°F. Atlas Cedar prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Atlas Cedar to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Atlas Cedar can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Atlas Cedar needs little pruning. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches in late winter or early spring.

Don't cut back into old, bare wood: conifers in the pine family rarely sprout new growth from it. To keep a denser shape, trim only the soft new shoots in late spring.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes — evergreens keep losing water through their needles all winter, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Atlas Cedar can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to deodar cedar plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Atlas Cedar is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.