Cedrus libani
cedar of Lebanon ( syn. Cedrus libani subsp. libani )
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- Standard £5.95
- Position:Ffull sun
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Fast
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
Native to Lebanon and the eastern coast of the Mediterranean and Asia Minor, since 1740s the majestic and imposing Cedrus libani was the planted specimen of choice in the grounds of nearly every stately home and mansion in the UK. With sufficient space, it’s definitely worth considering as an evergreen conifer. In maturity it has a distinctive shape, with several trunks and clear horizontal layers in its structure. Dark grey-green needles are arranged in spirals around side shoots in rosettes or clusters and eventually 8–12cm long barrel-shaped cones are often produced every other year.
Support newly planted specimens either with a single, angled stake or two stake stakes either side of the rootball with a cross-member or two ties. Pruning is not usually necessary, however any shoots that affect the symmetry of the plant can be removed in autumn. Apply a generous layer of mulch around the base of the plant (avoiding the immediate crown) in late winter.