Photo: Matt BergerCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Clanwilliam Cedar Plant Care
Widdringtonia schwarzii Masters
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's long, needle-like leaves are a striking silvery-blue color, making it stand out in any collection. Originating from South Africa, Widdringtonia schwarzii is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique coloring and elegant, upright growth habit.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Clanwilliam Cedar?
Plant Clanwilliam Cedar in full sun (USDA zones 9a–11b) and water a young tree every 14–21 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C).
Where Is the Clanwilliam Cedar Native To?
What Is the Clanwilliam Cedar?
Clanwilliam Cedar (Widdringtonia schwarzii) belongs to the Cupressaceae family within the Widdringtonia genus. Clanwilliam Cedar is native to South Africa. Clanwilliam Cedar is also known as Cape Cedar.
Clanwilliam Cedar displays a tall, conical tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Clanwilliam Cedar produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Clanwilliam Cedar?
Water a young or newly planted Clanwilliam 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Clanwilliam Cedar Need?
Clanwilliam Cedar thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Clanwilliam Cedar Prefer?
Widdringtonia schwarzii tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Clanwilliam Cedar prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Clanwilliam Cedar?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Clanwilliam Cedar to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
Where Should You Plant a Clanwilliam Cedar?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Clanwilliam Cedar is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.
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 Clanwilliam Cedar?
Clanwilliam Cedar can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 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 Clanwilliam Cedar?
Prune Clanwilliam Cedar while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Clanwilliam Cedar in Winter?
Clanwilliam Cedar is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Clanwilliam Cedar?
Clanwilliam Cedar can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mountain pine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Clanwilliam Cedar Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Clanwilliam Cedar, 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 Clanwilliam Cedar?
Clanwilliam Cedar is susceptible to spider mites, aphids. 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 Clanwilliam Cedar Need?
Clanwilliam Cedar grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Clanwilliam Cedar is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Clanwilliam Cedar as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Clanwilliam Cedar 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 Widdringtonia genus — compare its care with other Widdringtonia species on PlantoScan.
Widdringtonia is part of the Cupressaceae plant family — browse all Cupressaceae genera and species.
Clanwilliam Cedar 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: Widdringtonia schwarzii Masters, family Cupressaceae (first published in J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 37: 269 (1905)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Clanwilliam Cedar, 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: Matt Berger, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, 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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