Why Plant Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar?
Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar is a charismatic specimen tree that will become a work of art in your garden that only gets more stunning with each passing year. Picture powder blue evergreen needles in pompom clusters on branches that swerve and tumble to the ground, and you'll have some idea of its one-of-a-kind look. Left to its own devices, Weeping Blue Cedar takes on a picturesque free-form shape; trained to a wall or railing, the branches hang down in sheets of baby blue. This luxe specimen tree is a sophisticated accent for contemporary homes, and its classical elegance fits more traditional landscapes, too. Wherever it's planted, it will turn the garden into a gallery!
Blue Atlas Cedar hails from the Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco. It is believed that the first European country it traveled to was France, in 1839 (not surprising, since France had a presence in both Algeria and Morocco). While in France, it morphed into this weeping form. The Weeping Blue Atlas Mother Plant was planted in France by the Paillet Nurseries in 1873. Apparently, it finds the climate of France to its liking, as it’s still thriving more than 140 years later. It measures 85 feet wide and 26 feet tall.
How to use Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar in the landscape?
Famed Oregon Wholesale Nursery Iseli says of this plant: It is “putty in the hands of a sculptor.” Meaning, it can be trained to arc over pathways, hang from railings like a curtain, or climb high and tumble like a waterfall. In shaping this plant, you must have a plan and stick to it. The branches are only flexible when young, so the training must be deliberate and ongoing. But the payoff? Magical. Its other cultural requirements are full sun, excellent drainage, and winter temps that don’t dip below -5°F.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 6-8
How To Plant Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar
Atlas Cedar is native to the mountains of Algeria and Morocco (the atlantica in its botanical name refers not to the Atlantic Ocean, but to the Atlas Mountains). Because it is adapted to North Africa, it tolerates much hotter and drier weather than most evergreen trees can. It doesn’t like windy situations, however, and winter cold is certainly a limiting factor in some areas. Where winter lows approach -5°F, growing this tree becomes a dicey proposition. Grows best in average to good soils and needs good drainage.
How To Water
Water twice weekly for the first 3-5 weeks; then water weekly for the remainder of the year until winter. When you water, water very slowly and very thoroughly. The water needs to reach to the bottom of the root ball and that takes time. Watering needs may be altered due to extreme weather conditions.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant Food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant Food granular form on an annual basis each late fall. If planting in the fall, use Elements Fertilizer while planting and start your regular annual fertilizing the following fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established as it gives your tree the nutrients it needs to produce lush new growth for the following spring.
How To Prune
It isn't necessary to prune your Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar unless you are working to maintain a certain shape. If so, pruning should be done in early spring, before new growth begins to emerge. Left on its own, it will form an irregular mass up to 12 feet in height and width. A little annual pruning can be useful to control size and shape.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
