Cedrus deodara - Himalayan Cedar

The Cedrus deodara, more commonly known as the Himalayan cedar, is a fine and fragrant species, also known as the sacred cedar of Hindu temples. Sometimes planted in parks, although less frequently than its cousins the blue Atlas cedar or the iconic cedar of Lebanon. The differences of this majestic conifer make it an asset. Its unalterable conical habit, finer and lighter, elegant to the very end, never flattens at the top. Its tiered branches with slightly pendulous tips bear draping foliage of a light green colour, soft, silky, and bright. The deodara cedar, whilst not the most spectacular of its genus, becomes one of the stars of the garden in just a few years.

The Cedrus deodara belongs to the pine family. It is native to the temperate altitude forests (between 1500 and 3000m (9842.5 ft) above sea level), which cover the southern foothills of the Himalayas. Its range extends from Afghanistan to Tibet, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. In European climates, it typically reaches a height of 20 to 35m (114.8 ft) with a spread of 8m (26.2ft). Its growth is rapid in deep and moist soil. Its habit is generally conical and open. It develops a very vertical trunk, covered with a greyish, dark bark, cracked into large irregular scales. Its branches, almost horizontal, bear drooping secondary branches and the terminal shoots, also drooping, give it a slightly weeping appearance. The top of this cedar does not flatten over the years. Its needles are grouped in clusters, measuring 3 to 5cm (2in) long, they are flexible and light green in colour. Female and male cones coexist on the same tree and they measure 7 to 12cm (4.7in) long and 5 to 9cm (3.5in) wide. They consist of fine scales, each housing a seed extended by a wing. These large seeds will germinate very easily after winter and exposure to cold temperatures.

The Cedrus deodara is a majestic conifer, of considerable size, which requires isolation in order to fully appreciate its beautiful silhouette. In a very large garden, multiple trees can 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 will not obstruct each other in the future. Surprisingly, the sacred cedar also adapts very well to bonsai cultivation.