Blue Atlas Cedar 'Glauca Pendula'
The Atlas cedar is the national tree of Morocco, depicted on the flag of Lebanon (Lebanese cedar is a closely related species).
The Atlas Cedar is one of the most magnificent coniferous species to grace European gardens, having arrived from North Africa. Native to the mountain peaks of the Atlas range, this tree has captivated gardeners for centuries with its noble elegance and extraordinary splendour. The cultivar 'Glauca Pendula' is a dwarf weeping form that retains the species' defining characteristic: delicate, silvery-blue foliage that shimmers in sunlight. Unlike its parent tree, this cultivar remains compact and ideal for medium-sized gardens, where it serves as a true focal point thanks to its refined, arching branches.
The foliage of 'Glauca Pendula' glistens in light due to its waxy bloom, bestowing the tree a spectacular blue radiance, particularly striking during the colder months. The weeping form develops naturally as branches descend in graceful arcs, creating a sculptural, almost theatrical silhouette. The plant thrives in gardens throughout central, western and southern Ukraine, where it receives abundant sunlight. As the tree matures, it develops slowly and deliberately, allowing gardeners to observe its transformation year after year.
This cedar partners remarkably harmoniously in garden compositions with Korean firs, cypresses and larches, its blue tones contrasting beautifully with the dark green foliage of neighbouring plants. Such mixed coniferous plantings create textured, multi-layered landscapes that retain their appeal throughout the year. Undemanding in its requirements, the plant needs only moderate watering and good drainage—making it an ideal choice for the gardener who values elegance without complicated interventions.
Fascinatingly, the Atlas Cedar held great significance in the cultures of North African peoples as both ornamental and symbolic tree. Its close relative, the Cedar of Lebanon, appears on Lebanon's flag, whilst the Atlas Cedar itself is the national tree of Morocco. By planting 'Glauca Pendula' in your garden, you bring a touch of exoticism and history into your own space, as this tree carries the story of mountains standing at the crossroads between Africa and Europe.
Blue Atlas Cedar 'Glauca Pendula' — planting & location
Ornamental weeping variety with blue-grey foliage, exotic appeal.
How to water Blue Atlas Cedar 'Glauca Pendula'
Avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing and pruning: Blue Atlas Cedar 'Glauca Pendula'
Dead wood only.