How big does Deodar cedar grow?

About 4.5 m × 3 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 12–25 m × 9–15 m.

What soil does Deodar cedar grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, acidic.

Is Deodar cedar hardy?

Hardy down to -18 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H6). In the colder parts of the country (Greater Poland Voivodeship, Holy Cross Voivodeship, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Łódź Voivodeship, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, Lublin Voivodeship, Lubusz Voivodeship, Masovian Voivodeship, Opole Voivodeship, Podlaskie Voivodeship, Pomeranian Voivodeship, Silesian Voivodeship, Subcarpathian Voivodeship, Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship) it may not survive winter without protection.

How far from the house should Deodar cedar be planted?

Plant it at least 8.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 2.5 m from paving.

How much water does Deodar cedar need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Deodar cedar

Cedrus deodara

Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) is a large tree that reaches 4.5 m × 3 m after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -18 °C. Drought tolerance: medium.

Illustration of Deodar cedar — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

The most graceful of the cedars: a broad cone when young, with a nodding tip and drooping branch ends, and long, soft, grey-green needles in clusters. Plant it in a warm, sunny spot sheltered from wind, in deep, well-drained soil; it takes heat well and, once established, drought too, but not waterlogging, and on very limy soil it may turn yellow. It becomes a huge tree (15 to 20 metres tall and more than 10 metres wide), so it is only for large gardens, and as the least frost-hardy of the cedars it should not go in a cold position.

Watch out for

In Central Europe its hardiness is borderline. It is reliably hardy to about -18 °C; established trees in sheltered spots can survive harder frost, but young plants and new shoots are distinctly frost-tender: in a hard winter the needles brown, branch tips die back and the youngest trees can be killed, while windy, sunny winter weather dries out the foliage. Plant it only in the warmer regions, in a sheltered spot with a warm microclimate, and protect it from winter wind for the first years; for a cold garden or a frost pocket choose Atlas cedar or cedar of Lebanon instead, or the hardier cultivars (Karl Fuchs, Eisregen, Polar Winter). On heavy, wet soil root rot (Phytophthora, honey fungus) can kill it. Its size is the other common disappointment: it outgrows a small garden within a few years and cannot be cut back neatly. In autumn the falling male cones and yellow pollen make a mess underneath.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 4.5 m × 3 m
Hardiness: down to -18 °C
Foliage: Evergreen

All details

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	4.5 m × 3 m
Ultimate size	12–25 m × 9–15 m
Hardiness	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	no data
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 8.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 2.5 m
Litter	Fruit
Planting distance	800 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	no data

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

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