Cedrus deodara Golden Horizon - Himalayan Cedar

The Cedrus deodara 'Golden Horizon' is a dwarf Himalayan cedar with bright golden green foliage. It has a beautiful spreading conical habit and slightly weeping branches. At maturity, it does not exceed 2m (6 ft 7 in) in height and is ideal for small to medium-sized gardens, becoming one of the star plants in just a few years.

The Cedrus deodara belongs to the Pinaceae family. It is native to temperate high-altitude forests (between 1500 and 3000m (4921 ft 4 in and 9842 ft 6 in) above sea level) covering the southern foothills of the Himalayas. Its distribution range extends from Afghanistan to Tibet, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The 'Golden Horizon' cultivar reaches an average height of 2m (6 ft 7 in) with a spread of 3m. It has a fast growth rate and a generally conical and dense habit. It develops a very vertical trunk covered with a dark grey, cracked bark in large irregular scales. Its branches, almost horizontal, bear trailing secondary branches. The terminal shoots, also trailing, give it a slightly weeping appearance. The crown of this cedar does not flatten over the years. The needles are grouped together in clusters. Measuring 3 to 5cm (1.2 to 2 in) long, they are flexible and golden yellow when they emerge, becoming yellow-green in summer. In full sun, its foliage will be lighter than in shade. Female and male cones coexist on the same tree. They measure from 7 to 12cm (2.8 to 4.7 in) long and 5 to 9cm (2 to 3.5 in) wide. They are composed of fine scales, each housing a seed extended by a wing. These large seeds will germinate very easily after winter and exposure to cold.

The Cedrus deodara 'Golden Horizon' is a graceful conifer that is preferably planted as a standalone specimen to enjoy its beautiful silhouette. Its limited size allows it to fit into any garden, even small ones. Multiple plants can also be planted along a pathway. This pathway will then take on a completely different dimension and a style that is both original and romantic. Space the trees sufficiently so that they do not overcrowd each other later on. Surprisingly, the sacred cedar also lends itself very well to bonsai cultivation.