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Cedrus deodara 'Aurea'

Image of Cedrus deodara 'Aurea'

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Pinaceae

Botanical Name

Cedrus deodara 'Aurea'

Plant Common Name

Deodar Cedar, Golden Deodar Cedar

General Description

Golden Deodar cedar (also known by the cultivar name 'Aurea') is an evergreen, cone-bearing tree admired for beautiful yellowish new needles that slowly darken to yellow-green over the summer. It is slower growing than the species, which is native to the western Himalayas, and develops an open, upright pyramidal shape at a young age. The branch tips often dangle softly downward, giving the entire tree a relaxed, luxurious feel. With time, the trunks and branches become very picturesque, especially when viewed from under the canopy. The female cones are held upright on the upper branches and are large, egg-shaped and purple-green, while the smaller male cones are elongated and shed copious amounts of yellow pollen in spring.

This small tree must have full sun and ample room to attain its full and most beautiful growth and coloring. Deodar cedar is extremely adaptable, growing well on a wide range of soil pH and types, but it will not tolerate soggy soils. This selection, 'Aurea,' is a beautiful small specimen tree for the foundation at the front of the house, for a small backyard, or trained as an elegant espalier along a sunny brick or stucco wall.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 6

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Needled or Scaled Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m (20)

  • Width

    8'-12' / 2.4m - 3.7m (10)

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring

  • Native To

    Southern Asia, India, Nepal

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant

  • Habit

    Pyramidal

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Light Green

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Yellow, Yellow Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Yellow Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Yellow Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Yellow Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown, Black

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Fissured

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No