Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca' is a very popular tree in the nursery trade. It is fairly fast growing with somewhat denser branching that that of the typical species. Its powder-blue needle-like leaves measure less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) long (shorter than Cedrus deodara). Ascending branches create conical form in young trees. As plants mature, branching becomes denser and lower branches become more horizontal, forming a broad pyramid. Blue Atlas cedar is heat and drought tolerant and must be planted in full sun for best results.
After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 10 to 12 feet (3 - 4 m) tall and 4 to 5 feet (1 - 1.5 m) wide, an annual growth rate of 12 to 24 inches (30 - 60 cm).
This cultivar originated as an exceptionally blue tree selected in the wild in the Atlas mountains of North Africa and has been in cultivation in France since the 1860s.
