The cedar of Lebanon tree (Cedrus libani) is a large, cone-bearing evergreen conifer that originates from Lebanon, Turkey and western Syria. Cedar of Lebanon is special because it grew around the mountains of Lebanon in biblical times and became the national symbol of Lebanon. In the Bible, it has spiritual meaning. The Hebrew word for cedar means ‘firm’, relating to the strength of the tree’s roots and the durability of its wood, and the trees are said to be symbols of fortitude and longevity. The cedar of Lebanon is under serious threat from deforestation in its natural habitat, as well as the effects of climate change.
Identifying cedar of Lebanon
The trees have tiered branches with short dark green needles in clusters of 10 to 35, and barrel-shaped cones. They could be confused with Deodar and Atlas cedars.
How long do they live?
Cedar of Lebanon trees are long-lived. They are thought to live for more than 1,000 years and have been recorded aged over 600 years.
Size, height and spread
Cedar of Lebanon is an impressive conifer that grows up to 35m in height and 25m in spread. If you’d like to grow this cedar, but don’t have a large garden, try one of the more compact varieties such as Cedrus libani ‘Sargentii’ or Cedrus libani ‘Hedgehog’.
Value to wildlife
Evergreen trees can provide good habitats for nesting birds and, as cedar of Lebanon ages, cracks in the bark and holes in branches offer places for bats to roost and tawny owls to nest.
Growing cedar of Lebanon trees
This enormous conifer needs to be planted in an extremely large garden or a park where it can grow to maturity without affecting nearby buildings. Once established, it’s a hardy, low-maintenance tree that’s able to withstand periods of drought.
Where to plant Cedrus libani
Plant cedar of Lebanon in full sun, well away from any houses or other structures, in a spot that will give it room to develop over the decades. It can be grown on any well-drained soil.
How to plant cedar of Lebanon trees
Plant cedar of Lebanon between autumn and early spring when the ground isn’t waterlogged or frozen. The ideal time to plant is mid-autumn or March. Cedar of Lebanon can be grown from seed, but this is a lengthy process compared to planting a young tree.
How to care for cedar of Lebanon
Keep your tree watered until it is established (at least two years), especially in dry periods, but take care not to overwater. If you’re growing a cedar of Lebanon bonsai tree, it needs full sun and protection from frost and cold winds. It will also require watering, but shouldn’t be overwatered, and should be fed with liquid fertiliser during the growing period.
How to prune
Cedar of Lebanon doesn’t require pruning unless branches need removing for safety reasons.
Pests and diseases
Cedar of Lebanon is generally problem-free, but it can attract conifer aphids. Aphids should be tolerated if they aren’t causing widespread damage – they are part of healthy garden ecosystems. Cedar of Lebanon may also be susceptible to honey fungus and a fungal disease called Sirococcus blight.
Advice on buying Cedrus libani
- Ensure that the variety you have chosen won’t outgrow the space in your garden
- Buy plants from specialist tree nurseries to get the widest range of different varieties, including more compact cedars
- Always check plants for pests and diseases before you buy or as soon as online deliveries arrive
Where to buy
Varieties of cedar of Lebanon to grow
Cedrus libani ‘Sargentii’ – a weeping variety with a short trunk and pendulous branches. It’s ideal to grow over rocks or in a container. Height x Spread: varies depending on how the tree is trained, but it can be prostrate and spreading, or left untrained where it will grow to 60cm and spread to 150cm
Cedrus libani ‘Hedgehog’ – this low-growing cedar of Lebanon creates spiky mounds that led to its name. Great for rockeries, small gardens and containers. H x S: 30cm x 60cm after 10 years
Cedrus libani ‘Dino’ – this magnificent slow-growing cedar is ideal for a parkland or large garden setting with its tall, conical structure. H x S: 40m x 20m
Cedrus libani ‘Blue Fountain’ – a weeping form of ‘Atlantica glauca’ with striking steely blue needles. Suitable for smaller gardens and growing in pots. H x S: 2m x 0.5m after 10 years
Cedrus libani ‘Horstmanns Silberspitz’ – a compact variety with a narrower form than the full-size cedar of Lebanon and creamy new growth that turns silvery-blue as it ages. H x S: 5m x 3m after 10 years
