Description
Cedrus deodara 'Feelin' Blue' Shrub | Deodar cedar
A blue deodar cedar shrub brings the character of a Deodar cedar to the garden in a low, compact form. Cedrus deodara 'Feelin' Blue' is the named cultivar, supplied in shrub form rather than as a conventional upright cedar tree. Its compact, spreading and overhanging habit creates a relaxed silhouette, with branches that extend outwards and add gentle structure at a lower level. The evergreen needles are blue-green to grey-green and needle-like, giving the plant a clear decorative identity throughout the year. With an average mature height of approximately 150 cm, it can suit containers, borders, rock gardens and smaller gardens where its spreading shape can be appreciated. This Himalayan cedar has a low-maintenance character and provides lasting foliage without relying on seasonal flowering for its main display. Fruit-bearing is recorded, but the ornamental value of this plant lies mainly in its evergreen needles and distinctive shrub habit. As a conifer from the cedrus genus, it offers a different visual effect from taller, upright forms and works well where an overhanging accent is wanted. In exposed UK gardens, choose a sheltered position, as the plant is sensitive to cold easterly winds.
Key features of the Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara 'Feelin' Blue') shrub
- Evergreen blue-green foliage: The plant has blue-green to grey-green, needle-like foliage. These evergreen needles provide colour and structure in every season, making the shrub easy to recognise among other planting.
- Compact shrub form: This is the shrub-form product, with a compact, spreading and overhanging growth habit. Its low-growing silhouette gives a different visual effect from an upright tree presentation and suits places where width and overhanging structure are desirable.
- Aspect: Position the blue deodar cedar in full sun or partial shade. A sunny or lightly shaded aspect allows its foliage and spreading outline to remain central to the garden design.
- Soil and drainage: Use well-drained, humus-rich and lightly moist soil. In the UK’s often wet climate, reliable drainage is important, and the soil should not remain saturated or waterlogged for long periods.
- Wind and garden setting: The plant is sensitive to cold easterly winds, so a sheltered position is important, especially in exposed UK gardens. Its qualities also make it a suitable choice for conifers collections and other structured planting.
Uses of the blue deodar cedar shrub in the garden
- Specimen planting: Used as a specimen, the shrub creates a distinct evergreen accent. Its blue-green to grey-green needles attract attention, while the compact, spreading and overhanging shape adds movement without the strong vertical emphasis of a tree form.
- Containers and smaller gardens: This blue deodar cedar is suitable for a container, a rock garden, a border or a small garden. The shrub form helps bring the character of a Himalayan cedar to spaces where a tall upright presentation would not give the desired effect.
- Hardiness: The supplied tolerance range is approximately -17.8°C to -12.2°C, corresponding to USDA zone 7. A sheltered site remains important because the plant is sensitive to cold easterly winds, and hardiness should not be taken as suitability for exposed or waterlogged locations.
- Combining with other plants: Combine it with plants that appreciate full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. Ornamental grasses, low-growing perennials and other structural conifers can help create contrast in texture and form without hiding the shrub’s overhanging outline.
- Year-round structure: The main ornamental value comes from the evergreen needle colour together with the low, spreading silhouette. This makes the shrub useful in pots, borders and rock gardens where a lasting structural accent is wanted.
The shrub form provides year-round structure and a distinctive spreading accent without depending on a tall upright tree shape. It is a considered choice for a sheltered UK garden, patio container or border where blue-green foliage and an overhanging silhouette are wanted.
