How to Grow Calocedrus - Incense Cedar

Calocedrus — commonly called Incense Cedar–is a dense, symmetrical tree with a narrow, pyramidal corwn. It has rich green foliage in flat sprays and reddish-brown bark. It has scalelike leaves in whorls of four.

Calocedrus is an adaptable tree that is widely grown in the Western United States. It tolerates a variety of soils and can withstand blazing summer heat and drought.

Calocedrus has a single leader and short branches. It can withstand the weight of snow and ice and retains its bright green color in winter.

Caloderus can be grown as a specimen in a large garden. It can be grouped to form a wall or hight screen or windbreak.

Calocedrus is a genus of two species native to North America and Asia.

Incense cedar, Calocedrus decurrens — Incense cedar, *Calocedrus decurrens*

Table of Contents

Get to know Calocedrus

Plant type: Evergreen conifer
Growing zones and range: Zones 5 to 8
Hardiness: Hardy to Zone 5
Height and width: 30-50 feet (9.1-15.2m) in cultivation; 130 feet (39.1m) and higher in wild
Growth rate: Slow to moderate
Form and habit: Columnar; regular silhouette
Foliage: Flat branchlets and scalelike leaves in whorls of four; foliage retains bright green color in winter, appear 4-ranked, but are arranged in 2 pairs
Flowers: Inconspicuous
Fruits: Erect cones 4-5 inches (10.2-12.7cm) long by 2-5 inches (5.1-12.7cm) wide; yellowish or reddish brown; female cones have 6 scales, hinged at bases, of which only the central part is fertile, each scale bearing 2 seeds
Bloom time:
Uses: Formal landscaping element, specimen trees for winter color
Garden companions:
Common name: Cedar
Botanical name: Calocedrus
Family name: Cupressaceae
Origin: Dry, warm-temperate forest in Southern China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Western North America

Where to plant Calocedrus

Plant Calocedrus in full sun to light shade.
Plant Calocedrus in well-drained, fertile soil; pH adaptable.
Calocedrus withstands salt spray, but not road salt.
Calocedrus does not tolerate drought, wet locations, dry air, or sweeping winds.

When to plant Calocedrus

Calocedrus transplants best as a young tree in spring or early fall.
Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in spring.

Planting and spacing Calocedrus

Plant Calocedrus 28 feet (9m) apart.

Incense cedar flowers, Calocedrus decurrens — Incense cedar flowers, *Calocedrus decurrens*

How to water and feed Calocedrus

Water Calocedrus deeply when young to encourage drought-resistant roots.
Feed Calocedrus with an all-purpose organic fertilizer in spring

How to care for Calocedrus

Calocedrus need no pruning but may be sheared for a hedge; do not remove lower limbs.

Calocedrus pests and diseases

Calocedrus are usually pest free.
Rust may occur.

Calocedrus propagation

Root semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in spring.

Calocedrus varieties to grow

Calocedrus decurrens, Incense cedar, is a stately symmetrical conifer that grows at a slow to moderate rate and can live for thousands of years. In the Northwest, where it grows wild, the tree reaches 130 feet (39.1m), 30-50 feet (9.1-15.2m) in cultivation, and becomes broadly conical with wide-spreading branches. Bark is cinnamon brown, deeply furrowed, and shredding, adding an ornamental touch. Emitting a spicy aroma when crushed, the glossy, emerald green foliage is made up of pointed scales and grows in fanlike sprays on short, slightly pendulous side branches that resist snow and ice damage. The distinctive but inconspicuous cones are .8 inches (2cm) long, brown cylinders with several scales that spread open like small flowers in autumn to release the seeds. Use a single plant as a strong, upright accent. The narrow shape also works well planted in a grove or as a tall screen. Although this conifer comes from a cool area, it adapts to many climates. From the mountains of the West Coast or North America. Zones 6 to 8.