Deodar cedar Cedrus deodara
Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Pinaceae family, native to Western Himalayas. It grows 15–40 m (49–131 ft) tall and 8–12 m (26–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 10 m (33 ft) apart.
Plan Deodar cedar in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Deodar cedar at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Mature height | 15–40 m (49–131 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–12 m (26–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 10 m (33 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Western Himalayas |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇫🇷 France, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇨🇳 China |
Is Deodar cedar toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Deodar cedar
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Deodar cedar
- How far apart should I plant Deodar cedar?
- About 10 m (33 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–12 m (26–39 ft).
- Does Deodar cedar need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Deodar cedar need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Deodar cedar?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- Is Deodar cedar poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported.
- What grows well with Deodar cedar?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Deodar cedar. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Soft, drooping branch tips and a weeping leader; the sacred “timber of the gods” of the Himalaya and a classic Victorian lawn tree.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Colorado blue spruce Picea pungens
- Japanese black pine Pinus thunbergii
- Eastern white pine Pinus strobus
- Scots pine Pinus sylvestris
- Norway spruce Picea abies
- Siberian larch Larix sibirica
- Two-needle piñon Pinus edulis