Species

Cedrus deodaraDeodar Cedar

2 other cultivars

tree

Bill's Blue Deodar Cedar

Cedrus deodara 'Bill's Blue'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cedrus deodara, native to the western Himalayas, is a large evergreen conifer featuring horizontal branching with gracefully drooping branchlet tips. Its slender needles are arranged in dense spiral clusters along short shoots, accompanied by barrel-shaped cones that mature over the course of a year.

'Bill's Blue' is distinguished by its intense powder-blue foliage and a broadly pyramidal form with ascending branch tips that nod only subtly at the ends. It maintains rich glaucous blue-grey color throughout the year and exhibits a slightly more disciplined habit than the species.

Uses & Benefits:

Striking architectural profile with powder-blue foliage that persists year-round.

Once established, displays high drought tolerance and low overall maintenance needs.

Provides dense year-round shelter and nesting habitat for songbirds.

SpeciesCedrus deodaraDeodar Cedar

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

420"

Width

240"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low (when established)

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Western Himalayas

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with deep, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth, keeping the root crown level with surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly.
Apply a 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in well-drained soil and avoid cutting back into older, leafless wood, as deodar cedars cannot regenerate shoots from bare timber.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure soil drains freely to prevent root rot diseases.
Water deeply during the first two growing seasons until the root system establishes.
Prune only dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay or standing water.
Do not prune back into old, bare wood lacking foliage.
Do not over-fertilize with heavy applications of nitrogen.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen treeScreen or windbreakLarge estate accentCoastal landscape feature

Companion Plants

Acer palmatum Heuchera Pinus mugo Rhododendron

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bill's Blue Deodar Cedar questions

What zones can Bill's Blue Deodar Cedar grow in?

Bill's Blue Deodar Cedar is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bill's Blue Deodar Cedar deer resistant?

Yes — Bill's Blue Deodar Cedar is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Bill's Blue Deodar Cedar bloom?

Bill's Blue Deodar Cedar typically blooms in fall through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bill's Blue Deodar Cedar need full sun?

Bill's Blue Deodar Cedar does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Bill's Blue Deodar Cedar drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bill's Blue Deodar Cedar handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.