Description

A dramatic, architectural conifer prized for its icy blue needles and flowing, weeping habit. The serpentine-trained form of Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca Pendula’ is guided along a sturdy support to create elegant, sinuous curves—perfect for a bold focal point. Dense, glaucous needles clothe the arching branches year-round, providing outstanding color and texture in every season. Once established, it is relatively low maintenance and moderately drought tolerant, rewarding minimal care with maximum impact.

Suggested Uses

Specimen & Focal Point

Command attention in front gardens, courtyards, or entryways with a sculptural serpentine form.

Accenting Walkways & Walls

Train along a fence or wall to showcase graceful curves and create living art.

Large Containers (young plants)

Grow in an oversized container for the first several years while shaping; eventually plant in-ground for longevity.

Color & Texture Contrast

Pairs beautifully with fine-textured grasses, dwarf conifers, and burgundy foliage shrubs for striking contrast.

Plant Details

Botanical Name

Cedrus Atlantica Glauca Pendula Serpintine

Common Name

Cedrus Atlantica Glauca Pendula (Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, serpentine-trained)

Size & Growth

Typically 10–15 ft tall and 8–15 ft wide at maturity, depending on training; 6–12 in of new growth per year once established.

Hardiness Zones

USDA 6–9 (may survive in protected 5b sites with wind protection).

Foliage Type

Needled evergreen; dense, glaucous steel-blue needles on pendulous branches.

Bloom Time

Non-flowering; pollen (male) cones in autumn; seed cones ripen over 2–3 years. Ornamental value is foliage and form.

Growth Rate

Slow to moderate; faster with good sun and drainage, slower in cool or compacted soils.

Light Requirements

Full sun (6+ hours) for best blue color and dense habit; light shade reduces color intensity.

Attracts Pollinators

Low; wind-pollinated conifer, not a significant pollinator plant.

Indoor Friendly

Not suitable as a houseplant; outdoor landscape tree only.

Container Friendly

Yes, in very large containers while young for training; long-term best grown in-ground.

Deer Resistant

Generally resistant to browsing; protect trunks from rutting damage in autumn.

Pet Warning

Cedar is not considered highly toxic, but ingestion of needles/cones may cause mild GI upset; discourage chewing.

Fragrant

Faint resinous scent when foliage is handled; not notably fragrant in the garden.

Cut Flower

Not a cut flower; architectural stems can be clipped sparingly for winter arrangements.

Grows Well With

Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), dwarf spruces and pines, low junipers, heaths/heathers (acid soils), blue fescue, sedum, and sun-loving ornamental grasses in well-drained sites.

Care Tips

Planting Instructions

Site in full sun with excellent drainage. Dig a hole 2–3× wider than the root ball and no deeper. Position a sturdy post to support serpentine training, set the root flare at grade, and backfill with native soil. Water in thoroughly and tie the leader loosely to the support with soft, adjustable ties.

Soil Moisture

Keep evenly moist the first 1–2 growing seasons; water deeply, then allow the top few inches to dry. Once established, moderate drought tolerance—avoid persistently wet soils.

Soil Type

Prefers well-drained loam or sandy soil; tolerates a range of textures if drainage is good. pH 6.0–7.5 is ideal; avoid heavy, waterlogged clay.

Humidity

Average outdoor humidity is fine; ensure good air movement in hot, humid climates to reduce needle issues.

Pruning Instructions

Train and lightly prune in late winter to early spring. Remove dead or crossing wood. Tip-prune to shape; avoid shearing or heavy cuts into old wood. Guide the leader along the support to create gentle curves, securing with soft ties.

Winter Care

Apply a 2–3 in mulch layer over the root zone (keep off trunk). In windy/exposed sites or near zone limits, provide wind protection the first winters. Brush off heavy snow/ice loads and check/support ties after storms.

Planting Depth

Set the root flare level with, or 0.5–1 in above, surrounding soil. Do not bury the trunk; in containers, keep the same depth as grown in the nursery pot.

Fertilization

Feed lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 5-3-2 to 10-10-10) or a top-dressing of compost. Avoid high nitrogen and late-season fertilizing.

Special Care

Use a strong, rot-resistant stake or post and soft, flexible ties; check quarterly and adjust to prevent girdling. Create broad, graceful S-curves by gently redirecting the leader annually. Avoid frequent transplanting; provide deep, infrequent watering during heat waves; keep de-icing salt away from the root zone.