curt kipp curt curt kipp curt kipp curt B R OO K S TR EE FA R M
Cedars by any other name
These selections may not share the same genus, but all have much to offer the gardener
There's a tremendous variety of cedars out there, including (l-r) Cedrus atlantica ‘Horstmann’, plume Japanese cedar (Crypotomeria japonica ‘Elegans’), Port Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) and gold cone deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara ‘Gold Cone’).
including seedling nursery Brooks Tree By Elizabeth Petersen Farm in Salem, Ore., which supplies Valued for both function and beau- bare-root seedlings and grafting under- ty, from timber to landscapes, cedars stock for wholesale growers. This article discusses conifers that are seriously cool trees. “Western red cedar has a lot of are commonly called cedars. These Consider the iconic western red appeal as a high value timber product come from a variety of genera and cedar (Thuja plicata, Zone 5), a tow- in the West,” Brooks Tree Farm owner species, including: ering native of coastal forests of the Kathy LeCompte said. “We sell a lot for West. Revered by indigenous people reforestation and mitigation projects, Cedrus atlantica (Atlas cedar), C. deodara for centuries, today western red cedar since western red cedar is a rare conifer (deodar cedar); Chamaecyparis lawsoniana lumber remains highly valued for its that will tolerate moist soil.” (Port Orford cedar), Cham. nootkatensis tight, straight grain, its distinctive aroma Brooks Tree Farm also sells lin- (Alaskan cedar); Calocedrus decurrens syn. and its natural resistance to decay. It is ers of western red cedar in Anderson Libocedrus decurrens (incense cedar); Thuja the material of choice for demanding band pots for smaller-scale projects, plicata (western red cedar). outdoor projects such as decks, siding, such as wreath and garland making, roofing and posts. It’s also used for backyard native landscaping and orna- finer indoor functions, including blanket mental nurseries. Garden designer Alyse chests, closets, and guitar soundboards. Lansing of Lansing Garden Design is Hundreds of thousands of these also a fan of the species.
native trees are started from seed annu- ▲ 24 ally by Pacific Northwest growers,
FEBRUARY 2012 ▲ DIGGER 23 ▲ Cedars by any other name curt kipp curt “Western red cedar is highly use- ful in native settings, wetland plantings, and for large informal screens,” Lansing said. “It is magnificent on large lawns.” But its use in residential applica- tions is limited, she added. “Western red cedar trees are big and appreciate a lot of water,” Lansing said. “They can be difficult to garden under because they take up so much water, but they tend to grow slowly in the garden setting.” As with most full-size conifers, though, growers now offer smaller, desirable cultivars for smaller residen- tial spaces. Evans Farms in Oregon City, Ore. grows Thuja plicata ‘Atrovirens,’ a best seller in the Pacific Northwest for small- er yards. Its compact, narrow, upright OANThuja DIGGER plicata - Sun ‘Atrovirens’, Gro Grower Specialists a type HHDPS.pdf of western 7/7/2011 red cedar,12:44:38 is PM ideal for smaller yards because of its compact, habit makes it versatile and easier to narrow, upright growth habit.
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K handle, according to Josh Pease of cedar, ‘Whipcord’ is a unique conifer floral decorations. Evans Farms. with thick tendrils of glossy, green foli- “Most of the Port Orford cedar Bright yellow T.p. ‘Zebrina’ is pop- age that arch out from the center. The we grow at Brooks Tree Farm goes ular in mid-Atlantic states, Pease said, slow-growing, low shrub has a some- into the commercial floral industry because its foliage doesn’t burn. what rag-mop look and can fit in almost in Washington for Christmas greens,” Nursery stock from Fairdale/ any garden. It is available as a specialty LeCompte said. “It’s delicate and light- Countryside Nurseries in Wilsonville, conifer from Iseli Nursery in Boring, weight and popular for garland and Ore., including seedling and grafted Ore., which introduced it to the market. table decorations.” selections, goes to retail garden cen- But western red cedar isn’t alone in Some potential users worry about ters, wholesale growers and landscape its importance to the nursery industry. problems Port Orford cedar has had businesses east of the Rockies in the “Cedars are an important sales cat- with root rot disease. “The disease U.S. and Canada. Sales representative egory for us,” Eastman said. “They rival doesn’t flourish in the dry Willamette Peter Eastman said that the coldest parts maples as a category of importance for valley, though, so trees can live for of the country use western red cedar, many Northwest growers.” many years quite happily,” LeCompte which is called giant arborvitae on the said. “The risk of losing a large tree East Coast. Fairdale/Countryside offers Native cedars scares off people. That’s a shame, the columnar cultivar T.p. ‘Virescens,’ • Port Orford cedar because Port Orford cedars are graceful, which is more upright and tighter than Port Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis beautiful and affordable conifers.” the species and popular as a screen for lawsoniana, Zones 6-9) is a magnificent Disease-resistant rootstock devel- property lines in narrow spaces. evergreen tree with fragrant, lacy blue- oped by Oregon State University and OAN DIGGER - Sun Gro Grower Specialists HHDPS.pdf 7/7/2011 12:44:38 PM
An unusual selection of western red green foliage that is used for holiday ▲ 26
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K ▲ Cedars by any other name Picks It isn’t hard to get growers to talk about plants. The tough part is getting them to narrow down their list of favorites to just a handful. Here are some of the
from the kipp curt Pros varieties our sources recommended: Kathy LeCompte but then throws a leader and stands up a bit Brooks Tree Farm more with age. It has a broad, conical form Brooks, Ore. reaching about 10–12 feet wide and tall at maturity. I like ‘Snow Sprite’ because it adds a Deodar cedar (Cedrus great splash of evergreen color in the landscape, deodara) — These has a graceful arching branch structure, does not are true cedars, native burn easily, and fits well into smaller yards and to the Himalayan landscapes. Mountains of India. The natural seedling Peter Eastman form has graceful, Countryside Nursery layered branches with Aurora, Ore. blue-green needles. It’s affordable, easy and useful where the space is Weeping blue large enough to accommodate the adult form. atlas cedar (Cedrus It can grow to 15 or more feet wide, so for atlantica ‘Glauca traditional backyards, stick to the grafted options Pendula’) — This where slimmer trees with blue needles, golden conifer is one of needles or miniature forms are readily available. the most versatile Check the OAN Nursery Guide for grafted evergreens for the options. landscape. Because the branches are so pliable, Incense cedar it can be trained into Van Pelt's Blue Port Orford cedar lives up to (Calocedrus decurrens) any look or shape desired. The powder-blue its name with a striking blue color. It sells well — The Pacific Northwest color intensifies in winter against the deep green because it is compact and needs minimal pruning. native is a narrow, backdrop of other evergreens. Hardy only to slow-growing tree with zones 6-8, it prefers full to partial sun conditions. ™ dense, heavy foliage. marketed as The Guardian Series has It’s great to have on Horstmann’s blue taken some of the worry out of growing hand when decorating atlas cedar (Cedrus Port Orford cedars. for Christmas. The tips atlantica ‘Horstmann’) Evans Farms plans to start grafting are covered with bright — This new, compact yellow pollen buds that make nice accents in form of the popular onto disease resistant stock, which will table decorations, wreaths or just piled in an old ‘Glauca’ is the answer increase the cost but assure higher suc- wagon with some fir branches and some cones. to anyone who desires cess. Currently, the nursery grows the It can be tricky to establish, but is relatively easy the look and color of popular ‘Van Pelt’s Blue’ — a narrow, care for many years once settled in. the blue atlas cedar, but in a denser, more compact, bright blue Port Orford cedar Josh Pease compact plant. Easy to grow in containers or in — on its own roots to offer a better Evans Farms the ground, the powder-blue foliage lights up value. The cultivar is popular, since it Oregon City, Ore. a landscape. It reaches 15 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Best color and growth in full sun. Hardy in hardly needs any pruning, Pease said, Black dragon and “you can’t beat the blue of this Japanese cedar zones 6-8. (Cryptomeria japonica Wissel’s saguro plant.” Foliage tips take on a purple ‘Black Dragon’) — Port Orford cedar tinge in winter. Zone 5. Slow growing (Chamaecyparis with dense, compact lawsoniana ‘Wissel’s • Incense cedar dark green (almost Saguro’) — A great black) foliage. At narrow, compact Incense cedar (Zone 7) rounds maturity, it reaches evergreen for the out the assortment of cedars native to 10–12 feet tall and 5–7 collector or conifer the West. Calocedrus decurrens (syn. feet wide. I like this one because of the dense, enthusiast. Found as Libocedrus decurrens) is a fantastic tree, stacking, dark green foliage. It adds great texture a branch sport off of to the landscape, and due to its compact nature, ‘Wisselii’, it grows slowly into a narrow, upright Pease said. It produces a native feel is great in today's smaller yards and landscapes. column with short, upturned arms. Nice blue- with great bark and red twigs, and it Low maintenance is also a plus for the retail green color and small stature make it great grows more slowly than other native consumer/homeowner. for rock gardens and containers. Definitely a cedars. Its stately form makes an attrac- conversation piece, people are always intrigued Snow sprite deodar tive specimen or nice large-scale screen. cedar (Cedrus deodara by its unique look. Grows slowly to 6-8 feet tall ‘Snow Sprite’) — Zone and 12 inches wide. Hardy in zones 5-8. Lansing recommends incense cedar 6. This is a cream-to- for large properties or areas that need snow-white dwarf drought tolerance and sun/heat toler- cultivar whose foliage is ance. “It is stalwart and reliable, a great not as prone to burning. It is a compact, slow choice for a large bank that will be grower that looks a bit watered little,” she said. shrubby when young, LeCompte considers incense cedar
26 FEBRUARY 2012 ▲ DIGGER to be a multi-faceted conifer. Its slow growth allows for use in larger scale, native style landscaping. The pol- len buds turn bright yellow around Christmas, so they are popular for accents in decorations. The green foli- age is also used in garlands, and some customers use it for reforestation, although that market is small. The mar- ket on incense cedar is stable, she said, since it can be used so many ways. According to LeCompte, the use of incense cedars as inexpensive gift trees has developed into a new mar- ket, too. “Incense cedars have thick, fluffy foliage, even when small, so they are often chosen for weddings or memorials,” she said. Brooks Tree Farm offers decorative boxes to cover the pots and can sell the whole unit, ready to distribute. Since incense cedar is considered very fussy about transplanting, Brooks Tree Farm offers it as a potted tree in a tall, narrow Anderson band pot. “Commercial growers find it’s more practical to start this species as an established plant that can go right into a 1-2 gallon with much less transplant shock,” LeCompte said. Brooks also offers it as a transplant. “We find that bulking up the root sys- tem helps the plant survive the trans- planting process better,” LeCompte said. “Transplants are lower priced than pot- ted trees, and many growers are very budget-minded. Some are willing to take more risk when there is a savings to be had, but it can be a difficult spe- cies to handle bare root.”
True Cedars • Deodar cedar (Zone 7) Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) is a beautiful, stately conifer that grows quickly and makes terrific screens or barriers for large landscapes. Pyramidal in youth, it develops main branches that sweep up, with tips that weep down. Its broad, spreading habit demands room to grow to its full potential.
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FEBRUARY 2012 ▲ DIGGER 27 1275 Bailey Hill Road ▲ Cedars by any other name ASK ABOUT OUR Eugene, OR 97402 Office: 541.342.1835 CUSTOM SOIL BLENDS! Fax: 541.343.4802
Lansing, the garden designer, said BARK FOR CONTAINER MIXES the most common mistake people Various Sizes Available make with deodar cedar is not giving it enough room. “Its spreading, horizontal Contact Rex for pricing at 541.335.8017 branches can take up an entire standard www.rexius.com lot,” she said. Still, it is very desirable, because it has a soft, lovely texture, and grace- ful form. Premier Supplier of Nursery Products Since the true cedars are less hardy, they are widely used in warmer, south- • Shipping Materials - Stickers, shelves and pallets made to your specs, pallet repair boards, ern climates, Eastman said. Deodar shipping gates, tilt sticks, used pallets cedars also do well on the west coast, • Packing Supplies where mild summers and winters pro- - Shrink wrap, banding vide comfortable conditions. Fairdale/ • Planting Stakes Countryside Nurseries ships a good - Multiple sizes available number of seedlings and grafted deo- • Treated Lumber - Multiple sizes available dars to the Sun Belt, Eastman said, especially Oklahoma. Deodar seedlings are used as 503-434-5525 understock for all Cedrus selections at 1726 SW Highway 18, McMinnville, OR 97218 • www.dstakemill.com 6152 Countryside/Fairdale Nurseries. Grafted cultivars include ‘Pendula,’ which has a tall, narrow form; ‘Sander’s Blue,’ a narrower, powdery blue selection which is about a half zone hardier than the species; ‘Silver Mist,’ a smaller selection that makes a good container conifer; and ‘Gold Cone,’ an improved yellow form. Iseli Nursery offers a distinctly different deodar cedar, a low, spread- ing selection called ‘Prostrate Beauty.’ Found and introduced to the trade by Iseli, it is almost flat when young. It develops a leader with age, but can SEEDLINGS, PLUGS, POTS be kept low easily. New blue-green needles keep their soft, feathery look as they mature.
BROOKS • Blue Atlas cedar (Zones 6-9) Weeping powder blue Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca pendula’) is “probably the most popular cedar,” Eastman said, and it is the hardiest of Tre 9785 Portland F m Road NE the true cedars. Salem, Oregon 97305 It tolerates urban pollution better than other conifers and has a complete- Ph. 503.393.6300 ly flexible growth habit that allows for interesting shapes and uses. It can be Fx. 503.393.0827 trained on a fence, almost like an ever- offi [email protected] green vine; it can be allowed to sprawl out into a low, mounding form; or it
28 FEBRUARY 2012 ▲ DIGGER curt kipp curt Can you risk shortages?
Sander’s Blue deodar cedar is a distinctive selection for its powdery blue color, as well as its exceptional hardiness for a Cedrus deodara cultivar. Assure your clients’ can be staked up and allowed to weep. C. a. ‘Glauca fastigiata’ is a densely supply stream. “The whole tree weeps to the branched, columnar form of blue Atlas ground unless the leader is staked,” cedar grown by Fairdale/Countryside Eastman said. Nurseries. It is a great option for tight Contract your Fairdale/Countryside Nurseries train spaces and smaller landscapes where woody liner needs it primarily into two shapes — serpentine the species would get too big. Although with us. and straight trunk. For the serpentine the blue is not as intense as the more shape, the main trunk forms an “S” to the common ‘Glauca,’ the tight, upright desired height and the branches cascade habit more than makes up for it, down. For the other, the leader is trained Eastman said. It is somewhat less hardy, straight up, then allowed to curve grace- though, and can burn in cold winters. fully back down to the ground. Other unusual shapes are also available. Another so-called cedar Lansing describes weeping blue A discussion of cedars must include Atlas cedars as fascinating, dramatic the tough Alaskan cedar, Chamacyparis living sculptures. They eventually get nootkatensis (USDA Zone 4). It will quite large, though, which can be survive both the cold winters of problematic. One specimen in the Jane Boston and the hot, humid summers of Platt garden in Portland, Ore. has been Oklahoma. trained on hefty metal structures into a ‘Pendula’ is a good choice for mod- huge, stunning, vertical weeping cur- ern landscapes. If allowed to grow mul- HERITAGE tain. Completely unique, it is drop dead tiple trunks, it can get quite wide. But seedlings, inc. gorgeous, Lansing said. Ordinary folks kept to a single trunk, it stays narrow 4194-71st Ave. SE, Salem, OR 97317 USA have to be careful, though. and forms an attractive pyramid with (503) 585-9835 “Weeping blue Atlas cedar is cool gracefully weeping sprays of foliage. toll free fax: (877) 643-0110 for sure,” Lansing said. “People buy ‘Glauca pendula’ is a popular [email protected] them like crazy at garden centers weeping form that is great for landscap- www.heritageseedlings.com because they have that impulse appeal ing big houses on small lots, Eastman
— they offer high drama. They can be ▲ either badly used or fabulous.” 30
FEBRUARY 2012 ▲ DIGGER 29 ▲ Cedars by any other name curt kipp curt said. Its graceful habit and nice blue color make it a choice conifer, espe- cially in smaller urban settings. “Sales have dropped in pro- portion to the decline in housing though,” he said. Demand is still high in areas with big yards where building continues, such as Oklahoma. ‘Green Arrow,’ a very narrow selec- tion is “great to cover up a telephone pole or as a focal point,” Eastman said. It makes a dramatic statement in the landscape, with the leader growing straight up and the branches weeping back down.
Elizabeth Petersen writes for gardeners and garden businesses, coaches stu- dents and writers, and tends a one-acre The color variations in Japanese cedars are stunning, and Cryptomeria japonica ‘Elegans’ is no exception. garden in West Linn, Ore. She can be It is bluish-green most of the year, but turns a rich plum color in the winter. reached at [email protected].
Specializing in Heavy Duty structures to cover all your greenhouse needs Standard and Custom 503-678-2700 sizes available 1-800-347-2701 (outside OR) FAX: 503-678-2789 www.ovg.com * [email protected] 20357 HWY 99E * AURORA, OR 97002
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