Photo: Mourad HarzallahCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Cedar Of Lebanon Plant Care
Cedrus libani A.Rich.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking blue-green needles arranged in whorls around its branches, this evergreen tree originates from the mountains of Lebanon and Turkey. Plant collectors are drawn to its majestic presence in the landscape, as well as its historical significance in ancient cultures and its ability to thrive in a variety of climates.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
20–90°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cedar Of Lebanon?
Plant Cedar Of Lebanon in full sun (USDA zones 5a–9b) and water a young tree every 14–21 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 20–90°F (-7–32°C).
Where Is the Cedar Of Lebanon Native To?
What Is the Cedar Of Lebanon?
Cedar Of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) belongs to the Pinaceae family within the Cedrus genus. Cedar Of Lebanon is native to the mountains of the Eastern Mediterranean basin. Cedar Of Lebanon is also known as Lebanon Cedar, Cedrus Libani.
Cedar Of Lebanon displays a tall, conical tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Cedar Of Lebanon produces small, inconspicuous cones.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cedar Of Lebanon?
Water a young or newly planted Cedar Of Lebanon 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Cedar Of Lebanon Need?
Cedar Of Lebanon thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cedar Of Lebanon Prefer?
Cedrus libani tolerates temperatures of 20–90°F. Cedar Of Lebanon prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
20–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cedar Of Lebanon?
Well-draining sandy loam with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Cedar Of Lebanon to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
Where Should You Plant a Cedar Of Lebanon?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Cedar Of Lebanon is suited to USDA Zone 5a – 9b.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Cedar Of Lebanon?
Cedar Of Lebanon 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.
How Do You Prune a Cedar Of Lebanon?
Cedar Of Lebanon 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.
How Do You Care for a Cedar Of Lebanon in Winter?
Cedar Of Lebanon is hardy down to USDA zone 5a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.
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.
How Do You Propagate a Cedar Of Lebanon?
Cedar Of Lebanon can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to deodar cedar plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cedar Of Lebanon Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cedar Of Lebanon, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Cedar Of Lebanon?
Cedar Of Lebanon 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Cedar Of Lebanon Need?
Cedar Of Lebanon grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Cedar Of Lebanon is native to the mountains of the Eastern Mediterranean basin.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Cedar Of Lebanon is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cedrus genus — compare its care with other Cedrus species on PlantoScan.
Cedrus is part of the Pinaceae plant family — browse all Pinaceae genera and species.
Cedar Of Lebanon thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cedrus libani A.Rich., family Pinaceae (first published in Dict. Class. Hist. Nat. 3: 299 (1823)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cedar Of Lebanon, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Mourad Harzallah, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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