I am surprised by the increasing numbers of deodara cedars (Cedrus deodara) that are prospering in Zones 6-b and 7 gardens. Apparently, deodara cedars are much hardier than once thought. The buzz at a recent American Conifer Regional meeting is these varieties list here are worthy of planting:

Tree forms:

• ‘Karl Fuchs’
• ‘Shalimar’
• ‘Eisregen’
• ‘Eiswinter’
• ‘Polar Ice’

Shrub forms:

• ‘Feelin Blue’
• ‘Glacier Blue’ (photo)
• ‘Divinely Blue’
• ‘Snow Sprite’
• ‘Cream Puff’
• ‘Aurea’

Deodara cedars grow in deep, moist, well-drained, acidic loams in full sun. D-cedars are intolerant of poorly drained wet soils. D-cedars are very drought tolerant once established. I urge providing some protection around young plants from drying winter winds until they become established after two years. Add and maintain 3-4 inches of  an organic mulch around newly planted cedars. Fertilize annually in early spring with a slow release product such as Osmocote™ or Nutrikote™.