Species

Cedrus deodaraDeodar Cedar

2 other cultivars

tree

Deodar Cedar

Cedrus deodara 'Blue Ice'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cedrus deodara, native to the western Himalayas, is a large evergreen conifer with a broad pyramidal form and graceful, pendulous branch tips. Its stiff needles grow in dense whorls along horizontal branches, producing barrel-shaped cones high in the canopy.

'Blue Ice' is distinguished by its intense silvery-steel to ice-blue needle coloration that remains vivid year-round. It maintains a refined, pyramidal habit, reaching forty to fifty feet tall with weeping branch tips.

Uses & Benefits:

Striking silvery ice-blue foliage and architectural pyramidal form make it an impressive focal point.

Functions as a large-scale windbreak and visual screen when provided ample space.

Provides dense year-round canopy cover and nesting habitat for native birds.

SpeciesCedrus deodaraDeodar Cedar

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600"

Width

360"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Himalayas

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with deep, well-draining soil.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth.
Position the tree straight and backfill with native soil, firming gently.
Water thoroughly at planting and establish regular moisture during the first season.
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Never cut back into old bare interior wood, as conifers of this type lack dormant buds on old stems and cannot regenerate from leafless wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in light, freely draining soil to prevent root rot.
Maintain full sun exposure to maximize intense needle color.
Prune only dead, broken, or crossing branches.

Don't

Do not cut back into old leafless interior wood.
Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged low spots.
Do not over-fertilize, which promotes weak growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen treePrivacy screenWindbreakLarge landscape accent

Companion Plants

Pinus mugo Cornus sericea Heuchera sanguinea Juniperus horizontalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Deodar Cedar questions

What zones can Deodar Cedar grow in?

Deodar Cedar is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Deodar Cedar deer resistant?

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

When does Deodar Cedar bloom?

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

Does Deodar Cedar need full sun?

Deodar Cedar does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Deodar Cedar drought tolerant?

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