Cedrus

Cedrus Deodara – Best Trees In New Zealand!

Growing trees such as Cedar deodara in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They can be used to provide shade, screening, and shelter.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of Cedar, and the right one for your space. These have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Cedar deodara, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Cedrus Deodara Questions

1. Can you grow cedar in NZ?

Yes, you can grow cedar in New Zealand and the common species are:

• Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
• Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara)
• Western red cedar (Thuja plicata)

2. Is Cedrus deodara fast growing?

Cedrus deodara is a relatively fast-growing tree, and can grow at 60-90 cm per year in ideal conditions. However, its growth rate will vary depending on the climate, soil conditions, and how well it is looked after.

Deodar cedars prefer full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. With proper care, they can thrive for many years and provide you with a beautiful and rewarding addition. Here are some tips:

• Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
• Water regularly, especially during the first growing season.
• Feed once a year in spring with a balanced fertiliser.
• Mulch around the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Prune regularly to remove dead or diseased branches and to maintain the desired shape.

If you are considering planting a Deodar cedar, be sure to choose a spot that will accommodate its mature size. They can grow to be 20-30 m tall and 10-15 m wide.

3. What is the price of Cedrus deodara?

The price of a Cedar depends on its size and age. A small grade is likely to be around $20, whereas a larger and older plant can be $500. The Plant Company recommends avoiding very small plants as they take a lot of effort to get established and can die easily.

4. What is the best cedar tree?

The best cedar for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some factors to consider include:

• Climate: Cedar trees are native to different parts of the world, so it is important to choose a species that is well-suited to your climate.
• Soil type: They can grow in a variety of soil types, but some species prefer certain conditions over others.
• Size: Trees can grow to be different sizes, so it is important to choose a species that will fit in the space you have available.
• Appearance: They have different shapes and colours, so it is important to choose a species that you find aesthetically pleasing.

Here are a few popular cedar trees to consider:

• Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara): This cedar is native to the Himalayas and is known for its elegant, conical shape. It grows to about 20-25 m tall and 10-15 m wide.
• Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica): This cedar is native to Japan and is known for its dense, pyramidal shape. It grows to about 15-20 m tall and 6-10 m wide. Japanese cedars are relatively fast-growing and tolerant of a variety of soil conditions.
• Western red cedar (Thuja plicata): This cedar is native to the Pacific Northwest and is known for its reddish-brown bark and fragrant foliage. It grows to be 25-30 m tall and 8-10 m wide. Western red cedars are relatively slow-growing but very durable.

If you are not sure which cedar tree is right for you, consult with The Plant Company, we’re here to help.

5. Is cedar a good tree?

Cedar trees are a good choice for a variety of reasons:

• Beautiful and versatile: They have a symmetrical shape and dense foliage, making them a great addition to any landscape. They can be used as specimen trees, windbreaks, or privacy screens.
• Durable: Cedar trees are known for their durable wood, which is resistant to rot and decay. This makes them a good choice for building materials, such as fencing, siding, and decks.
• Adaptable: Cedar trees can grow in a variety of climates and soil conditions. This makes them a good choice for many different regions.
• Beneficial to wildlife: Cedar trees provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and insects.

However, there are a few potential drawbacks to cedar trees. They can be slow-growing, especially when young.

6. Is it cedar or Cedrus?

Both "cedar" and "Cedrus" are correct, depending on the context.

• Cedar is the common name for a group of coniferous trees in the genus Cedrus, which includes four species:
  • Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica)
  • Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara)
  • Lebanon Cedar (Cedrus libani)
  • Cypriot Cedar (Cedrus brevifolia)
• Cedrus is the scientific genus name for these trees. It's the more precise term when talking about the trees in a scientific context.

7. What is the common name for Cedrus?

The common name for Cedrus depends on the specific species within the genus. Nonetheless, Cedar is the most common and widely accepted term for any member of the Cedrus genus. It's perfectly fine to use in most situations, especially when not referring to a specific species.

• Each Cedrus species has its own common name, however:
  • Atlas Cedar: Moroccan cedar, Algerian cedar
  • Deodar Cedar: Himalayan cedar, weeping cedar
  • Lebanon Cedar: Cedar of Lebanon
  • Cypriot Cedar: Cyprian cedar

Choosing the most appropriate name depends on context and specificity. In daily conversation, "cedar" is usually enough. When aiming for precision, especially in horticultural or scientific settings, using the specific common name like "Deodar Cedar" for Cedrus deodara gives better clarity.

8. What is Cedrus used for?

Cedrus, or commonly known as cedar, has a long and diverse history of uses across various domains:

Traditional Building Materials:

• Timber: Its strong, durable, and rot-resistant wood is valued for construction beams, floorboards, doors, and window frames. It was historically used in building temples, palaces, and even ships.
• Furniture: Its aromatic and pest-repellent properties make it ideal for crafting fine furniture, chests, and even railway carriages.

Medicine and Aromatherapy:

• Ayurvedic Medicine: In Ayurveda, Cedrus deodara (Deodar Cedar) holds significance for its purported anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and insect-repellent properties. Its oil is used in various treatments.
• Essential Oil: Cedarwood oil, extracted from various species, is prized for its woody and calming aroma. It's popular in aromatherapy for various applications, including stress relief, improving sleep, and even repelling insects.

Other Uses:

• Incense: The inner wood of some species offers a pleasant aroma and was historically used in incense and religious ceremonies.
• Food Storage: In certain regions, the antifungal and insect-repellent properties of cedar wood make it ideal for storing food grains and meat.
• Bonsai: Many Cedrus species are suitable for bonsai training due to their slow growth and adaptability to small spaces.
• Cedar's moisture-absorbing and deodorizing qualities make it perfect for shoe trees, preventing moisture build-up and unpleasant odours.

It's important to note that some uses, like medicinal applications, should be consulted with a healthcare professional before implementing.

9. Is cedar good for anything?

Cedar is good for many things! It's a versatile and valuable wood with a variety of uses, both practical and aesthetic.

Durability and Resistance:

• Rot and insect resistance: Cedar's natural oils make it resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, making it ideal for outdoor applications like fencing, decking, siding, and outdoor furniture.
• Stability and dimensional stability: Cedar has minimal shrinkage and warping, making it a reliable choice for building materials and furniture.

Aromatic and Pest-Repellent Properties:

• Pleasant scent: Cedar has a warm, woody aroma that many find appealing. It can add a natural and calming fragrance to your home or outdoor space.
• Insect repellent: The oils in cedar also repel moths, cockroaches, and other pests, making it useful for lining closets and drawers or storing clothes and blankets.

Other Applications:

• Saunas and spas: Cedar's insulating properties and resistance to moisture make it a popular choice for saunas and spas.
• Musical instruments: Cedar's tonal qualities make it a valuable wood for crafting instruments like lutes, guitars, and soundboards.
• Art and crafts: Cedar's easy workability and beautiful grain make it a favourite for carving, sculpting, and other artistic endeavours.

Species and Uses:

• Western Red Cedar: This popular species is known for its reddish hue, lightweight nature, and excellent dimensional stability. It's commonly used for siding, decking, and interior panelling.
• Eastern Red Cedar: This species is more aromatic and insect-repellent than Western Red Cedar. It's often used for lining closets, chests, and other storage areas.
• White Cedar: This species is pale in colour and has a slightly sweet aroma. It's often used for boat building, shingles, and furniture.

Overall, cedar is a versatile and valuable wood with a wide range of applications. Its durability, resistance to rot and insects, pleasant aroma, and pest-repellent properties make it a popular choice for both practical and aesthetic uses.