How to Grow Emerald Cedar - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Emerald cedar is an evergreen coniferous tree that is native to the Mediterranean region. The tree reaches a height of 20-30 m and has a diameter of 60-90 cm. The leaves are dark green and needle-like, and the cones are ovoid and brown. Emerald cedar is a popular ornamental tree and is used in landscaping for parks and gardens.

How to Grow Emerald Cedar - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Oregon cedar
  • Mountain cedar
  • Incense cedar
  • Spanish cedar
  • Cedarwood

Basic info

  • Emerald cedar is a species of cypress native to North America.
  • It is an evergreen tree, meaning it keeps its leaves year-round.
  • Emerald cedar can grow up to 50 feet tall.
  • It has a conical shape, with branches growing in a spiraling pattern.
  • The tree's bark is scaly and reddish-brown in color.
  • The leaves of the emerald cedar are dark green and needle-like.
  • The tree produces small, yellow-green cones.
  • Emerald cedar is tolerant of a wide range of soil types.
  • It prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade.
  • Emerald cedar is a popular choice for landscaping and ornamental plantings.

Related plant:
Emerald Gaiety

How to Grow

  1. For emerald cedar, first step is to find a healthy young tree.
  2. Second step is to plant the tree in an area with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.
  3. Third step is to water the tree regularly.
  4. Fourth step is to fertilize the tree every few weeks during the growing season.
  5. Fifth step is to prune the tree regularly to maintain its shape and size.
  6. Sixth step is to protect the tree from pests and diseases.
  7. Seventh step is to harvest the tree’s needles and use them for mulch or other purposes.
  8. Eighth step is to remove the tree’s cones when they mature and dry out.
  9. Ninth step is to collect the tree’s seeds and sow them in a prepared bed.
  10. Tenth step is to transplant the seedlings to their permanent location.

Related plant:
Emerald Arborvitae

Soil Condition

About soil condition, emerald cedar can grow in various soils but prefer deep, well-drained, moist soils. It is not tolerant of drought or standing water. Emerald cedars will do best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially when grown in hot, dry climates.

About light

Not too different with other cedar trees, emerald cedars require full sun to partial sun in order to thrive. It is important to plant them in an area of your yard that gets at least six hours of sun daily. If you live in a warmer climate, they can tolerate a little less sun. These trees are also relatively drought tolerant once they are established, so they don’t need a lot of water.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of the emerald cedar is ideal for growth and development. The tree is tolerant to a wide range of temperatures, from hot to cold, and can even withstand occasional freezing temperatures. This makes the emerald cedar an ideal tree for use in a variety of landscapes, including those in colder climates.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the humidity level drops below 30%, the plant will start to experience stress and may even die. If the humidity level gets too high, around 60% or more, the plant will start to experience fungal growth.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, this family of plant doesn't seem to be too needy. A little goes a long way with these tough, root-hardy trees. Emerald cedars are native to the Southeastern United States, where they grow in woodlands and along forest edges. These cedars have a naturally deep, emerald-green color that is enhanced with a yearly application of fertilizer in late winter or early spring.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your emerald cedar healthy and looking its best. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Cut back any branches that are rubbing against each other or crossing. Thin out the interior of the plant to allow light and air to reach the center.

About Propagating

Propagation of emerald cedar is best done by rooting cuttings taken from new growth. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches in length and taken from the tips of the branches. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants in the late spring or early summer. Cuttings can be rooted in potting soil or sand. Be sure to keep the cuttings moist and in a warm location until they have rooted.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to medium. In the wild, they can grow to be enormous trees, but when grown in pots or other containers, they are much smaller. The average emerald cedar tree that is grown in a pot is about 3-6 feet tall.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are canker, spider mites, and scale. Canker is a disease that causes sunken, dead areas on the stem or branches. It is caused by a fungus or bacteria. Spider mites are tiny pests that live on the underside of leaves. They cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Scale are small, hard pests that suck the sap out of plants. They can be found on the stems, leaves, and branches.

Basics of Growing

  • Remember to water your emerald cedar regularly, as these plants are quite drought tolerant.
  • Fertilize your emerald cedar every few months with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your emerald cedar regularly to maintain its shape and size.
  • Place your emerald cedar in an area with full sun to partial shade.
  • Make sure the soil around your emerald cedar is well-drained.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if found.
  • Propagate your emerald cedar by taking cuttings from new growth.
  • Train your emerald cedar by shaping it while it is young.
  • Protect your emerald cedar from cold weather by wrapping it in burlap or placing it in a sheltered spot.
  • Enjoy the beautiful evergreen foliage of your emerald cedar for many years

Substitution

  • Asaroi virginica - Virginia Asaroi
  • Abcedeae dafidis - Daffodil Asaroi
  • Sambucus sylvestris - Elderberry Asaroi
  • Acer barcinonensis - Acer Asaroi
  • Abcedeae loranthoides - Loranthus Asaroi
  • Abcedeae balsamea - Balsam Asaroi
  • Abcedeae nerii - Gardenia Asaroi
  • Abcedeae cayennensis - Cayenne Asaroi
  • Abcedeae canariensis - Canary Asaroi
  • Abcedeae monosperma - One-seed Asaroi

Source:
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