Cedar – Birth Tree for February 9 - 18

If you or a friend celebrates your birthday between February 9^th and 18^th your birth tree is the Cedar. You are said to have rare beauty, know how to adapt, like luxury, and are confident.

Many trees share the common name cedar, but Cedrus is considered the true cedar. The atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) prefers well-drained acidic soil, full sun and is hardy in zones 6 to 9. It will tolerate drought once established. This cedar starts out pyramidal and becomes more flat topped and picturesque with age. The needles can be green to silver-blue. Use this evergreen for its texture and year round interest.

Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) is a little more particular about its growing conditions. It requires full sun and well-drained soil. The Cedar of Lebanon does not tolerate air pollution or high humidity and is only hardy in zones 5 to 7.

A bit more information: Deodar or Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara) has a drooping, graceful habit, making it a wonderful specimen plant. Grow this beauty in a sheltered location with full sun and well-drained soil. It is hardy in zone 7 to 8 and sometimes 9.