Each flower and tree is interesting to see ~ watch closely as each unfolds.
 

Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca' (Atlas Blue Cedar)
Native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria, where it can be found in scattered stands at elevations of 1,000 to 2,500 meters. With a different growth habit to the parent plant, the blue Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca') has stunning, vivid, silvery blue foliage. It rivals the blue spruce (Picea pungens 'Glauca') as the best blue foliaged conifer in the world.

Botanic name: Sold under botanic name Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca'. The botanical name of this variety is a mess. Its correct name is Cedrus atlantica 'Fastigiata' but it has been incorrectly called 'Glauca' for many years. As well as that, some authorities consider C. atlantica to be a subspecies of C. libani. Hence its correct name could be Cedrus libani 'Fastigiata'.

Old trees may reach 100' or more tall (125') and 60' wide. More commonly, and especially in the US, it grows 40-60 ft (12-18 m) tall and 15-40 ft (6-12 m) wide. U.S. - Zone: 6 --- approx. 40' Tall x 15' Wide

Does well in sandy to clay, and acidic to alkaline soils. It grows fast and upward for the first 10-20 years, then as the central leader loses dominance, growth slows and the crown spreads. In young trees, lateral branches may have to be pruned back to keep them from breaking under their own weight. Never prune the central leader though, lest the tree's beautiful form be destroyed.

Usage: An imperial and picturesque specimen tree with massive, horizontal spreading branches. It is long lived and needs lots of space and should never be used as anything but a specimen or widely spaced in groves so that its magnificent form can be fully appreciated. Tolerant of hot, humid weather and may be a better choice in the southern USA than deodar cedar. Attractive, strong durable timber which is much sought after by craftsmen and cabinet makers.

Downside: Eventually grows into a very large tree, so it needs to be sited in a place where it has enough room to grow (But not a down side for me or it's location).

2005 - Not a good time to plant any tree - but I am brave and we do have a water sprinkler system. I also pamper new plantings with hand watering, so the tree handled its summer planting just great with no sign of distress.
2006 - Fantastic growth and looks great. We were a little anxious the first winter with snow and ice - but there was no damage or even hint that the spindly little branches might have a problem (whew). Held the weight just fine, this year I have no worries, the tree has definitely grown and looks like it is twice as strong as when we planted it. By summer it started to lose its 'Charlie Brown Christmas Tree' appearance. It will be a beauty. No pest or disease problems.

CULTIVATION: Grow in a sunny, open site, in any well-drained soil. Pruning group 1. IF double leaders are produced the weaker shoot should be cut out in autumn.
PROPAGATION: Sow seed in spring, after 21 days' moist pre-chill at 32-34 degrees F. Graft selected cultivars in late summer or winter.
PESTS AND DISEASES: Pinewod nematode, root rot, needle blights, stem cankers dieback, scale insects, pine sawfly, mealybugs, and caterpillars are problems. Boron toxicity causes yellowing and bronzing of needles.

C. atlantica 'Glauca'

Zone: 6 - 9    -    H 9 - 6	Shade/Part Shade.
Height: to 130 ft	Width: to 30 ft
Bloom Time: Foliage	Bloom Color: Foliage
Location: Backyard	Planted: 30 Jun 2005