Cedrus atlantica f. FASTIGIATA Atlas cedar

If you like cedars or perhaps if you are a collector or just an enthusiast don’t miss this one. It is a beautiful example of a form that is rarely seen in private gardens or arboretums.

Fastigiata is an attractive form of Atlas cedar with strictly narrow, columnar habit. Its evergreen, short needles are deep green with slightly blue-green tint. Lateral branches are short and densely cover the leader. If a branch goes mad and grows too long in the unwanted direction just clip it, any time of year. Other pruning is not required or even suggested. It grows slowly.

The shape of this plant is almost crying out for using in locations similar to where the famous Italian cypress would be grown. Cypress’ thin and tall statue is a symbol of Tuscany but is no way hardy in central Europe. This cedar is a perfect and hardy substitute that will look terrific combined with shrubs of entirely different shapes such as mound-forming azaleas or cushions of lavenders, and ball-shaped box or similar other plants.

Atlas cedar will grow in almost any well-drained soil, even chalky, and full sun. Fertilizing is not necessary but if you feel your soil is too poor add some slow-release fertilizer once a year in early spring. Although Atlas cedar is hardy to about -25°C (USDA zone 6) we have not tested it in elevated, mountainous areas with long lasting frosts and in frost pockets.

Last update 16-02-2010