Cedrus deodara Pendula - Himalayan Cedar

The Cedrus deodara 'Pendula' is a weeping variety of Himalayan Cedar. This variety forms a small compact, irregular tree with a gracefully pendulous leading shoot and drooping branches along the trunk that require staking during their growth. Its evergreen foliage consists of delicate and flexible needle-like leaves that are fragrant and emerge light green before turning dark green. This distinctive conifer is best showcased when planted as a specimen in the middle of a short grass meadow or along a pathway, allowing enough space for its width. It prefers sheltered, sunny locations with well-draining and moist soil.

The Cedrus deodara, commonly known as the Himalayan Cedar, belongs to the pine family. It is native to the temperate high-altitude forests (between 1,500 and 3,000 metres (4,921 feet 4 inches and 9,842 feet 6 inches) above sea level) that cover the southern foothills of the Himalayas. Its range extends from Afghanistan to Tibet, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is a fine and fragrant species and is also considered a sacred Cedar of Hindu temples. While occasionally planted in parks, it is less common than its cousins, the blue Atlas Cedar and the iconic Cedar of Lebanon. This majestic conifer stands out with its unique features. Its unchanging conical shape is finer, lighter, and elegant right to the very top, never flattening at the crown. Its horizontally layered branches bear draping foliage of a light, soft, silky, and luminous green. It is a species that is sensitive to drought and thrives in deep, but not excessively dry or wet soil. Although it can tolerate temperatures down to -15°C (5 °F), frost can occasionally cause defoliation. It particularly enjoys mild and humid climates, such as oceanic climates, and prefers sheltered locations protected from winds and frost.

The 'Pendula' variety is a horticultural hybrid characterised by its weeping, compact habit and dark green foliage. It is a slow-growing small tree, reaching an average height of 5 metres (16 feet 5 inches) with a spread of about 7 metres (23 feet) after 20 to 50 years. Its growth is faster in deep and moist soil. It develops a short trunk covered with dark grey bark that cracks into large irregular scales. Its almost horizontal branches bear drooping secondary branches. The terminal shoots also hang down, giving it a slightly weeping appearance. Its persistent needles are grouped into clusters, measuring 3 to 4 cm (1.2 to 1.6 in) in length, and are flexible, light green when emerging, and then turn dark green. Female and male cones coexist on the same tree. They measure 7 to 12 cm (2.8 to 4.7 in) in length and 5 to 9 cm (2 to 3.5 in) in width, composed of fine scales, each housing a seed with a wing. These large seeds germinate easily after winter and exposure to cold temperatures.

The Cedrus deodara 'Pendula' is an exceptional variety with a compact and weeping habit, featuring cascading foliage on both the crown and branches. It is particularly stunning when planted as a solitary tree on a large short grass meadow or near a pond. Alternatively, it can be integrated into a large rockery with other rockery conifers and dwarf conifers of different colours and habits, along with heathers with intensely coloured flowers. Surprisingly, the sacred Cedar also adapts well to bonsai or topiary cultivation. While it requires no specific maintenance, the weeping variety needs to be staked to elevate and spread its branches to form an umbrella shape.