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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. Sold in local shops from about €22.

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
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 2 m
Distance from paving at least 1.5 m
Litter Fruit
Planting distance 800 cm
For dogs no data
For cats no data
For children Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price from about €22

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

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size
Typical price
180-200 cm approx. €200
size not stated approx. €22 – €45

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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