Calocedrus decurrens
Californian incense cedar
Also known as Libocedrus decurrens
- Height × spread
- 14m × 4m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A hearty columnar tree, this is naturally elegant, with rich green whorling foliage that creates pleasing textured clumps. If pressed, the leaves give off a spicy smell of incense. The wood is red-brown and used to make aromatic cedar wood chests. This cedar is best grown in odd numbered groups for impact in a very large garden or park. It can reach 45m (160ft) in its homeland of Sierra Nevada, but it is more modest in a garden environment and it is, in any case, slow growing.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Brown, Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 14m
- Spread
- 4m
- Height in 10 years
- 2.2m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1.2m
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Scented garden, Mediterranean garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.