Cedrus deodara also referred to as Himalayas cedar is indigenous to the Western Himalayas, spanning from Eastern Afghanistan through Northern Pakistan, across India (particularly Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand), and into Western Nepal.
They can grow to be quite large, often reaching heights of 40-60 meters (131-197 feet) in their natural habitat, though they might be smaller in cultivation. It has a conical shape when young, becoming more cylindrical with age, featuring level branches with drooping tips, giving it a graceful, somewhat weeping appearance. Deodar cedar grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9.
The needles of the Deodar Cedar are typically a blue-green or silvery green, which can give the tree a somewhat frosty appearance from a distance. This coloration can vary slightly with the seasons or the health of the tree. The needles are relatively long for a cedar, usually between 2.5 to 5 centimeters (about 1 to 2 inches). The needles grow in dense clusters or whorls on short spurs along the branches.
Younger branches tend to grow horizontally or slightly drooping, with the ends of the branches often hanging down more noticeably as the tree matures. While Cedrus deodara is an evergreen, the intensity of the needle color might change slightly with the seasons. New growth in spring can be lighter or more vivid in color, contrasting with the older, darker foliage.
Female cones are barrel-shaped, taking two years to mature, after which they disintegrate to release winged seeds. They start off as small, green or purplish structures when young, growing over time to become much larger. Male cones are smaller, releasing pollen in the autumn. They are yellowish or light brown when releasing pollen. In cultivation, the presence of both male and female cones can be an indicator of the tree’s health and maturity.
The Deodar Cedar relies on wind for pollination. The large quantities of pollen produced by male cones ensure that at least some will reach the female cones.
On younger Deodar Cedars, the bark is relatively smooth and grayish in color. It has a somewhat shiny or silvery appearance when the tree is young. As the tree matures, the bark becomes darker, turning into a deeper brown or gray-brown color. The bark develops longitudinal fissures or cracks, creating a textured, rough surface. These fissures can become quite deep, giving the trunk a rugged and aged look. Older bark may exfoliate or peel away in thin sheets or flakes.
Deodar Cedars have a relatively fast growth rate, especially under optimal conditions. They can grow about 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 feet) per year in height during their initial 10 to 20 years. As the tree matures, its growth rate slows down. However, it still continues to gain height, just at a reduced pace. Mature growth might be in the range of 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) annually, depending on environmental conditions.
Deodar Cedars can live for several centuries. In their natural habitat, it’s not uncommon for these trees to live for 500 to 600 years or even longer. There are reports of some Deodar Cedars living over 1,000 years, although verifying the age of such ancient trees can be challenging. Trees cultivated in gardens or urban settings might not reach the same age or size as those in their natural, less disturbed habitats due to various stress factors like pollution, limited root space, or disease.
Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant. This is a popular ornamental tree common in large gardens, parks, and along avenues. When planted in rows or groups, Deodar Cedars can form effective windbreaks or tall privacy screens due to their dense foliage and significant height at maturity. It can also be used along driveways or avenues.
This tree pair well with understory plants that can tolerate partial shade and the acidic soil typically found under conifers, like rhododendrons, azaleas, or ferns.
Considerations for Growth and Longevity
- Care: Proper care, including adequate watering, fertilization, and protection from pests and diseases, can ensure a healthy growth rate and contribute to a longer lifespan.
- Pruning: While cedars don’t require much pruning, removing dead or diseased branches can prevent health issues that might shorten the tree’s life.
- Location: Planting in a location that mimics its natural habitat (mountainous regions with well-drained soil and cooler climates) will promote healthier growth and potentially longer life.
- Genetics: Some variability in growth rate and lifespan can be attributed to genetic differences among individual trees.
- Generally resistant to diseases and pests, but can be affected by certain pests like the cedar aphid or diseases like root rot if the soil conditions are poor.
Challenges in Landscaping
- Size: Their ultimate size can be a drawback in smaller urban settings or where overhead space is limited due to power lines or buildings.
- Root System: The root system can be extensive, so they should not be planted too close to buildings, paved areas, or below-ground utilities.
- Allergy: The pollen from male cones can be an allergen, though this is less of a landscaping concern and more of a health one for those nearby.
Cedrus deodara (Deodar Cedar) Varieties
- ‘Aurea’ – This variety has golden-yellow foliage, especially in the spring. The color tends to become more green as the season progresses but still retains a golden hue.
- ‘Pendula’ (Weeping Deodar Cedar) – Known for its weeping or pendulous branches, this variety can be trained to grow in various forms. Without support, it will sprawl along the ground.
- ‘Snow Sprite’ – A dwarf variety with a more compact growth habit and silvery-blue needles. It’s ideal for smaller gardens or rockeries.
- ‘Feelin’ Blue’ – This one is noted for its low, spreading form and its blue-green foliage. It’s another dwarf variety, which makes it suitable for landscape ground cover.
- ‘Karl Fuchs’ – Renowned for its resistance to colder climates, this variety has a more silvery-blue needle color and maintains a strong central leader.
- ‘Shalimar’ – Originating from the Shalimar Gardens in India, this cultivar is known for its hardiness and slightly twisted needles, with a good blue-green color.
- ‘Silver Mist’ – This variety offers a whitish or silvery appearance due to the needle color, which can be quite striking in the landscape.
- ‘Kashmir’ – Known for its silvery-grey foliage and somewhat more cold-hardy characteristics compared to the standard species.
- ‘Robusta’ – As the name suggests, this variety is known for its robust growth and dense foliage, with needles that are darker green.
- ‘Verticillata Glauca’ – This one has a more compact form with a bluish tint to its needles, and its branches can sometimes grow in a whorled pattern.
- ‘Albospica’ – Features tips of the new growth that are white or cream-colored, providing a variegated look during the growing season.
Deodar Cedar Problems
Root Rot
- Phytophthora Root Rot: This is a common issue in poorly drained soils. It can cause the roots to rot, leading to yellowing foliage, wilting, and eventually tree death.
- Armillaria Root Rot (Oak Root Fungus): This can spread through root contact with infected trees and stumps, causing decay at the base of the tree.
Needle Cast Diseases
- Fungi like Rhizosphaera or Stigmina can cause needle cast, leading to brown or purplish needles which eventually drop off. This is often seen in overly moist conditions.
Cedar Rusts
- Various rust diseases, like Gymnosporangium spp., can affect cedars, although they require an alternate host like apple or hawthorn trees. They cause galls or orange jelly-like structures on branches.
Canker Diseases
- Cytospora Canker: This can be a problem, especially on stressed trees, causing branch dieback. The cankers can ooze resin.
Insect Pests
- Cedar Bark Beetle: Can burrow into the bark, particularly of stressed or dying trees.
- Deodar Weevil (Pissodes nemorensis): Larvae bore into the terminal leaders, causing them to die back, which can lead to deformed growth if the main leader is affected repeatedly.
- Aphids: Can cause sooty mold by their honeydew secretion, though they’re usually more of an aesthetic issue than a serious health threat.
Environmental Stress
- Drought: Deodar cedars prefer moist, well-drained soil. Prolonged drought can weaken the tree, making it susceptible to pests and diseases.
- Winter Injury: Younger trees or those in exposed locations might suffer from winter burn or desiccation where needles dry out.
Chemical Damage
- Salt Damage: From road salts in colder climates, which can cause needle browning.
Mechanical Damage
- Branch breakage from heavy snow or ice, or damage from lawnmowers and other equipment can provide entry points for pathogens.