Cedrus Libani (Cedar of Lebanon)

Gandalf, in tree form.

The broad, open architecture of this tree is so grand with that characteristic layered silhouette. Growing broad and spreading it holds its branches almost-horizontal, thickly-needled and gracefully layered. Even a small specimen will strike a structural pose with punch. The leading branch, its growing point, zig-zags curvily and slightly droopily upward into a whipped peak atop its stately shoulders.

Say ‘cedar’ and picture it in your mind’s eye: this is most definitely the one. THE cedar, and the national emblem of Lebanon. It may achieve 40m in height and will be broader than it is tall: all you need is patience.

It may be 40 years before it starts to produce a scattering of rich red oval cones, and when it does these will stick up above the branches to hover above the neat spray of needles looking just as if they’ve each been placed, gently and just-so, by hand.

Grown as a specimen (which you should) this tree will look especially striking with some of the lower boughs neatly trimmed. This will amplify that majestic shape and allow a more generous glimpse of the deeply textured, complex-patterned trunk beneath its robes.

It is native to the steep slopes of the high mountains of the Eastern Mediterranean, but in the UK it is happy on any soil, in well drained conditions in any aspect, and in either a sheltered or exposed position.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.