Culture
Best grown in deep, moist but well-drained, acidic loams in full sun. Drought tolerant once established. Intolerant of poorly drained wet soils. Best winter hardiness of the true cedars. Site trees in locations protected from winter winds.
This plant may be trained to a particular height when young. Branches of trained plants (e.g. staked upright to a desired height) will form a skirt that weeps to the ground. Branches of untrained plants will trail along the ground to form a ground cover. This plant is not reliably winter hardy throughout USDA Zone 5.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Cedrus libani, commonly called cedar of Lebanon, is an evergreen conifer that, with age, develops a massive trunk, a flattened top and broad spreading horizontal branching. It is native to mountainous areas of Lebanon, Syria and Turkey. Lower branches typically remain on the tree as it ages, often touching the ground. It is a slow-growing tree that may reach only 20’ tall in its first 20 years. Over time, cedar of Lebanon will typically grow to 40-60’ (infrequently to 120’ or more) tall. This tree is the national emblem of Lebanon. It appears in the center of the flag of Lebanon.
Genus name is the Latin name for this plant.
Specific epithet means of Mount Lebanon, Lebanon.
‘Sargentii’ is a dwarf, prostrate or pendulous form (depending on training) that features weeping branches clad with dark green needles. Mature size depends upon whether plants are staked or allowed to grow prostrate. Untrained plants will typically mature to 2' tall and spread to 4-6' wide. 'Sargentii' was discovered growing at the Arnold Arboretum in 1919.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Tip blight and root rot may occur. These plants may struggle in the St. Louis area where environmental conditions do not favor most conifers.
Uses
For rock gardens, foundations or other small garden areas.