How to Grow and Care for Deodar Cedar

Botanical Profile

·      Botanical Name: Cedrus deodara

·      Common Name: Deodar Cedar, Himalayan Cedar

·      Plant Type: Large evergreen conifer

·      Mature Size: 40-70' feet x 20-40' feet (though can reach over 100' in its native habitat)

·      Sun Exposure: 6+ hours of full sun daily

·      Soil Type: Well-drained soil rich in organic matter

·      Soil pH: 6 to 8 (Neutral to slightly alkaline)

·      Hardiness Zones: 7-9 (Hardy to roughly 0 to 10°F, ideal for many mountain landscapes)

How to Plant and Grow Deodar Cedar

These are long-lived, majestic trees that require space to truly reach their potential. Plant them where they have room to spread, perhaps as a focal point in a large lawn, a property border, or integrated into a spacious landscape bed. For success in our mountain soils, follow these six key planting steps.

Soil Preference: Good drainage is essential! Deodar Cedars detest wet 'feet' and soggy soil, which can lead to root rot. While they prefer slightly acidic soil, they are quite adaptable and tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including the neutral to slightly alkaline soils common in our area.

6 Key Planting Steps for Success

1.    Dig a wide hole: Dig your hole 2-3 times the width of the container, but at the same depth as the root ball.

2.    Score the root ball: Before placing the plant, use a utility knife or pruners to score the sides and bottom of the root ball to encourage outward root growth.

3.    Amend the soil: Mix Watters Premium Mulch with the native soil (1 part mulch to 2 parts native soil). Place the plant in the hole, centering it, and backfill this amended soil, packing it firmly around the roots.

4.    Feed initially: Sprinkle Watters 7-4-4 All Purpose Plant Food around the planting area to encourage strong, healthy growth.

5.    Add root stimulant: Water your new tree thoroughly with Watters "Root & Grow" added to the water. Do this at 2-week cycles for the first 2 months to stimulate root development and prevent 'Transplant Shock.'

6.    Apply top mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch (like pine bark, or the remaining premium mulch) inside the tree well as a top dressing. This top mulch is essential for keeping weeds down, insulating the roots from heat and cold, and retaining precious moisture. Crucially, leave a small gap of a few inches between the mulch and the tree's trunk to prevent rot.

Essential Care Guidelines

Light Requirements: Deodar Cedars crave full sun! At least 6 hours of direct sun daily is critical for their iconic, full form and silvery-blue color. Shady conditions will result in a sparse, less impressive tree. They are extremely tough and once established, they can tolerate strong mountain winds.

Watering Guide:

·      Newly planted: For the first month (or 2 months if planting in summer), water your new tree regularly with a garden hose. An automatic irrigation system may not provide the deep soaking necessary initially.

·      Established plants: Deep, infrequent watering is the goal. Adjust your watering frequency based on season, plant size, and location. Deodar Cedars have good drought tolerance once established.

·      April – Oct: Irrigate 1 to 2 times weekly, allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Use drip irrigation if possible, as it is more efficient and prevents issues caused by overhead watering.

·      Nov – Mar: Irrigate 1 time monthly. A winter drink is vital, especially during dry spells, to prevent winter browning.

Temperature and Humidity: Deodar Cedars are perfectly suited for zones 7 through 9. They tolerate the cold mountain winters with ease, but they appreciate protection from scorching afternoon sun and strong drying winds in particularly hot and dry locations. They handle our dry, low humidity environment exceptionally well.

Seasonal Fertilizer Schedule (4x Per Year)

To encourage that gorgeous, dense, silvery growth and maintain peak health, feed your Deodar Cedar four times a year. We recommend the following schedule using Watters specific products.

Season	Fertilizer
Spring	7-4-4 All Purpose Plant Food + Soil Sulfur
Summer	7-4-4 All Purpose Plant Food + Humic
September	7-4-4 All Purpose Plant Food
December	7-4-4 All Purpose Plant Food

A detailed watering calendar is available at the garden center to further assist with seasonal irrigation.

 

Pruning Deodar Cedar

Here is the best news: Deodar Cedar requires almost zero pruning!

Its natural, graceful form is precisely what makes it so desirable. Hard pruning will utterly destroy its shape and character, resulting in an awkward-looking tree. "Leave It Be" is the rule of thumb.

Pruning is only necessary for a few specific reasons:

·      Shaping: As a young sapling, you can perform very light shaping in early spring before new growth starts, only to ensure it develops a strong central leader and good branch structure.

·      Remove Deadwood: At any time of the year, you should prune out any branches that are dead, diseased, or damaged.

·      Safety: If a branch is rubbing against the house, hanging over a walkway, or otherwise creating a safety hazard, it should be carefully removed. Always cut back to the next branch or the trunk, being careful not to cut into the trunk's bark.

 

Landscape Uses and Wildlife Resistance

Its grand scale and elegant form make the Deodar Cedar a true statement plant.

Ideal for:

·      Specimens: Place it in a central lawn as a spectacular focal point.

·      Windbreaks & Screens: Plant a row of them on a property line for a dense, evergreen barrier.

·      Legacy Plants: These trees live for hundreds of years, making them a lasting legacy.

 

Pests & Diseases

Deodar Cedars are remarkably trouble-free and resistant to most significant pests and diseases.

·      Fungal issues (like root rot): These are nearly always a result of poor drainage or overwatering. Ensure good drainage and deep, infrequent watering.

·      Deer & Javelina: Both find this tree highly unpalatable, making it a safe and reliable choice for properties shared with wildlife.

 

Ken Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 W. Iron Springs Rd in Prescott, or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com.