Cedrus atlantica 'Aurea'Atlas cedar

It has a dominant central leader and a crown that is conical at first, formed by ascending branches that become progressively more horizontal. With age, it develops a broad, open, sculptural silhouette, although its growth is generally slower and its size more restrained than that of the species. It can reach approximately 10 to 15 metres in height and 6 to 8 metres in spread, occasionally more in favourable conditions.

The foliage is its most distinctive feature. The new needles emerge an intense golden yellow, gradually turn yellowish green and take on greener or bluer tones on the old branches. This succession of colours gives depth to the crown and makes the branch tips appear lit up during periods of growth.

The female cones develop upright on the upper branches, purplish or green at first and turning brown as they ripen. They remain on the tree for around two years before breaking up, adding to the botanical interest of mature specimens.

It grows best in full sun and in deep, well-drained soils, adapting to different textures and pH values. It needs space to keep its lower branches and express its natural architecture fully. It is especially suited as a free-standing specimen in large gardens, parks, entrances, lawns and compositions where the golden foliage can contrast with darker masses of planting.

Slow growth significantly increases the value of Diaplant’s mature specimens. An already formed tree immediately brings a defined trunk, recognisable tiers of branching and a quantity of golden foliage capable of creating a permanent focal point, bypassing the decades of development needed to achieve the same landscape expression.