Cedrus deodara is one of the true cedars. Other true cedars include the cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) and the Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica), which comes in a weeping form. It is in the Pinaceae family, which includes both evergreen and deciduous conifers such as pine trees, spruce trees, and fir trees. The name deodar evolved from the word devadāru, which is a Sanskrit word that translates to “timber of the gods.” This tree is sacred in Hinduism. Plant a deodar cedar sapling in the early spring months, right after the ground has thawed, or in the fall once the plant has gone dormant in preparation for winter. If you plant the tree in the fall, it won’t need as much sun or water as it would in the spring. When planting, dig a hole that’s at least three times as wide as the tree’s root ball. Add 25 percent compost, peat, or aged manure to the soil to help it drain, put the root ball in the hole, and return the soil and organic mix to surround the tree. Tamp the soil lightly, and water it thoroughly.
Light
A planting site with full sun is best for this evergreen tree, though it can tolerate partial shade.
Soil
Deodar cedar trees can be grown in a wide variety of soil types, including loam, sand, and clay, as long as that soil is well-drained.
Water
Give the tree plenty of water during the first few growing seasons. Once established, deodar cedars are somewhat drought-resistant. Check to make sure that your soil offers good drainage because this species likes moist soil but cannot tolerate wet feet.
Temperature and Humidity
Of all the cedar trees, the deodar cedar has the best tolerance for heat and humidity.
Fertilizer
Fertilize the ground around the tree in the spring months before new growth begins. Don’t fertilize the cedar more than once per year, as too much nitrogen can cause root burn.
Types of Deodar Cedar
Cedru. deodara ‘Albospica’: A slow-growing cultivar with white or silver foliageC. deodara ‘Aurea’: Features horizontal branches and golden needles; first described by botanist J. Nelson in 1866C. deodara ‘Golden Horizon’: A dwarf variety that grows quickly but only up to 10 feet tall and has golden needles that turn yellow-green in the summerC. deodara ‘Feelin’ Blue’: Also a dwarf variety, features blue-green foliage and weeping branches; grows to about 6 feet tall and wideC. deodara ‘Kashmir’: Showcases silvery blue-green foliage and can tolerate below-zero temperatureC. deodara ‘Shalimar’: Features a blue-green hue and excellent hardiness
Pruning
Deodar cedar is a low-maintenance tree. The only pruning that is usually needed is to remove any branches that have become dead, damaged, or diseased before new growth begins in the spring. If you need to prune, take extreme care—it’s easy to cut away too much green that won’t grow back, which could lead to the tree’s death.
Propagating Deodar Cedar
It is not easy to propagate deodar cedar trees from cuttings or grafting. Propagating from seeds is the recommended way to go.
How to Grow Deodar Cedar From Seed
To grow a deodar cedar tree from seed will take a bit of patience and time. Here’s how:
Common Pests and Diseases
Giant conifer aphids are known to attack the deodar cedar, though these infestations do not usually affect the tree enough to severely injure it. They do, however, produce a sticky liquid called honeydew which can fall to the ground and make everything tacky. To manage these aphids, spray with high-pressure water to remove the pests, and then use an insecticidal soap. In the spring, apply a systemic insecticide. Honey fungus (a parasitic mushroom) may develop on this tree, but it can be controlled by burying a physical barrier, such as a heavy-duty plastic sheet, in the soil. It can’t be controlled with chemicals. Root rot may occur if the soil is soggy, so ensure that the tree is planted in a soil that drains well. There may also be spots with sooty mold if honeydew is present from aphids.
