Home / 'Horstmann' Blue Atlas Cedar
Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar
Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar
Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar
Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar
Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar
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Evergreen Tree

'Horstmann' Blue Atlas Cedar

4.9/5 57 reviews
Will it grow where you live?

Zones 6-9

Size: 3-4 ft
$180 $225

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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts

From our farm to your front door

  • Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
  • Soil secured so it stays put in transit
  • Packed so the plant stays steady on the way to you

At a glance

Leaves
Evergreen: keeps its leaves all year
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry
Growth & size
Slow growing; reaches 8-10 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide, in 10 years.
Botanical name
Cedrus atlantica 'Horstmann'
Hardiness
Zones 6-9
Tolerates
Cold hardyHeat tolerantDrought tolerantWind tolerantHigh elevation tolerant
USDA zone map for 'Horstmann' Blue Atlas Cedar

Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.

Not sure it'll thrive where you live?Real people who answer questions before and after planting.
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What customers are saying

4.9
out of 5 · 57 verified reviews

Why customers love it

Healthy, well-rooted plants

Hand-selected and shipped in its nursery pot.

Delivered to your door

Skip the nursery trip. Very little car Tetris required.

Goodbye, noisy neighbors

A living screen that blocks the view, softens the sound and looks better than a fence.

1-year guarantee

If something goes wrong, we'll help make it right.

Care made simple

Plant it right once and it does the rest.

Sun
Full Sun

Pick the spot before you dig.

Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry

Water slowly and deeply. Check more often in its first summer.

Grows in
Zones 6-9

Enter your ZIP above to check your zone.

Your first year together

  1. 1Day 1

    Plant it, then water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.

  2. 2First few weeks

    Keep the soil evenly moist while new roots settle in.

  3. 3First summer

    Water deeply during hot, dry spells.

  4. 4Next spring

    New growth starts. Feed as it wakes up.

Planting instructions
Choose a planting location with full sun and well-draining soil. Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball and about the same depth as the container. Place the tree in the hole, backfill gently, and water thoroughly after planting. Apply mulch around the base to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping mulch away from the trunk.
Watering & sunlight
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.

Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering.

Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.

Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.

Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.

Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar grows best in full sun, which promotes dense growth and vibrant blue coloration.
Care guide

PRUNING:
Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar requires minimal pruning. If shaping is desired, lightly prune in late winter to early spring to encourage new growth.

FERTILIZING:
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to support healthy growth. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION:
In colder zones, wrap the tree with burlap or add mulch around the base to help protect it during winter.

What does "Jumbo" mean?

Our Jumbo Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar are grown in 7-gallon OR 10-gallon nursery pots and are more mature than regular sizes, with a more developed root system, thicker trunk (caliper), and stronger overall structure. Compared to standard options, Jumbo sizes offer a larger container and greater maturity, giving the tree a more established presence at planting time.

Regular sizes are grown in 5-gallon nursery pots. These trees are healthy and well-rooted but are less mature than Jumbo sizes and will continue to develop after planting.

The difference between regular and Jumbo sizes is in container size, root development, trunk thickness (caliper), and overall maturity. Jumbo Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar are a great option if you want a more established tree right away.

Shipping:
Jumbo Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar are shipped burlapped, with the rootball carefully wrapped and secured with a zip tie to protect the roots and keep the tree stable during transit.

Regular sizes are shipped in their nursery pots, with the rootball wrapped in a protective plastic liner and secured with a zip tie to keep soil contained and the box clean during shipping.

Shipping & what's inside

Your plant ships in its nursery pot with the soil secured, packed so it stays steady on the way to you.

1-year guarantee

Every plant is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.

Answered by Simply Trees plant experts
How big does the Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar get?
Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar typically grows approximately 8–10 feet tall and 5–6 feet wide at maturity.
How fast does Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar grow?
This cedar has a moderate growth rate, typically growing about 1–2 feet per year.
Where is the best place to plant Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar?
Plant in a location with full sun and well-draining soil where its unique shape can be appreciated.
How far apart should I plant Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedars?
Plant approximately 5–6 feet apart to allow room for mature growth and airflow.
Does Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar require a lot of pruning?
No. It naturally develops an artistic shape and typically requires very little pruning.
Is Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar drought tolerant?
Yes. Once established, it is considered moderately drought tolerant.
Will Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar tolerate cold winters?
Yes. It performs very well in colder climates within USDA Zones 6–9. Young trees may benefit from extra protection during extreme winter weather or harsh drying winds while becoming established.
Will Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar keep its blue color year-round?
Yes. Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar maintains its striking silvery-blue-green foliage throughout all seasons, providing year-round color and contrast in the landscape.
Is Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar a good tree for smaller yards?
Yes. While it becomes a noticeable focal tree over time, its slower growth rate and manageable mature size make it suitable for many residential landscapes where larger conifers may outgrow the space.
Does Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar have a formal or natural look?
Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar has a more natural, sculptural appearance rather than a perfectly symmetrical shape. Its artistic branching habit is part of what makes this tree so unique and desirable in landscape design.
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