Name: Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca’  aka blue atlas cedar

Type of Plant:   A slow growing evergreen tree with an open habit and blue needles.  Although this tree has a pyramidal shape when young, as it ages it becomes more flat-topped and wide spreading. This tree isn’t prone to mites or other pests. It loves full sun but tolerates part-shade as well.

Why I Love/Hate this plant:   I love the fact that this tree has a lighter look than other blue-needed trees such as the blue spruce. I also love that it isn’t a fast-growing plant, which means that if you want to place it closer to a house or in a place that requires a more slender plant, the blue atlas cedar isn’t going to quickly outgrow the location. In other words, don’t be put off by the size you read that this tree can grow over time. It’s unlikely to get anything near that large in your lifetime.

A Word to the Wise:  By all means site this tree in a place where it can grow tall, but know that it’s also okay to place it in locations knowing that in 20 to 30 years it might be too large for that spot.

Here’s a shot of my blue atlas in the winter. I love how open it is, so it allows the view of the sky in between the branches.

A group of blue atlas cedar trees in the garden center.

Blue needles and lovely new growth.