Lebanon Cedar, the Tree of God

He plants trees to benefit another generation.

Caecilius Statius

There are some trees that you don't plant for yourself; you plant them to leave a legacy.  The Lebanon Cedar (Cedrus libani) is one of those trees. This beautiful tree has a rich and ancient history; the ancient Egyptians used its resin in their mummification process, the Phoenicians used lumber from it to build ships, palaces, homes, and temples, and the Sumerians designated Lebanese Cedar groves to be dwellings of the gods.

Unfortunately, groves of these amazing trees have been nearly wiped out and two species of the population are now extinct, with six more species either threatened or at risk.  Today, very few of the original, older trees remain, but extensive conservation programs, in Lebanon, are replanting and protecting new groves.

The Lebanon Cedar is an evergreen conifer that grows up to 40 feet tall with a thick trunk that can reach 8 feet or more in diameter.  The canopy begins as a conical shape, but with age, becomes broad and wide-spreading.  The cones are produced every other year and measure approximately 3-5" long and 1.5-3" wide unlike typical evergreen cones, they are smooth and solid.

Oak Ridge Shrubbery is proud to offer saplings of these special trees for sale for a limited time.  Help restore a precious resource so that it can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Other unique and wonderful legacy trees to plant for future generations to enjoy are:

• Ogon Dawn Metasequoia
• Monkey Puzzle Tree
• Camperdown Elm
• Deodor Cedar

Got questions?  Need advice?  Or maybe you just feel like spending an afternoon looking at beautiful plants and getting ideas for what to put in your garden?  Just give us a call or drop by.   We'd love to see you!  And don't forget to check out our website for special deals!

(336) 643-0081

1016 Hwy 68 N.

Oak Ridge, NC

We're right at the intersection of 68 and Edgefield drive!

Shades of green

In the landscape, green is never "just green."  Many homeowners tend to use evergreens as backdrops for their landscaping canvasses...something to just blend in and let the specimen pieces show.  But many evergreens can stand on their own as focal points to your yard.  Evergreens come in a rich pallet of tones, shapes, sizes, and textures and can compliment almost any setting.   Evergreens can fit almost any bill, from colorful, like the Blue Ice Cypress or Gold Mop Cypress to something flowering and lovely, like a Camellia, to  something more striking and unique, like the Goshiki Osmanthus or Variegated Hollywood Juniper.  All of the plants in the next two photos are evergreens.  Note the wide range of colors!

Our featured plants celebrate the diversity of evergreens.

Emerald Green Arborvitae in flower shape topiary.  Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and whimsy to your Garden space.  This will need pruning 1 – 2 times per year to hold its shape..  15 gallon at $ 329.99 and 25 gallon at $ 470.00 

Monkey Puzzle Tree, Araucaria araucana.  Very cool/bizarre evergreen, native to Chile that will thrive here. In time will attain 45’ T and 25’ W and keep its open funky shape.  This species is estimated to be around 60 million years old, based upon fossil record known today. 25 gallon  $549.99 

Carolina Sapphire Cupressus arizonia var. glabra 'Carolina Sapphire' This large blue tree makes an idea screening plant that will get 35-40’ T and 20’ W.  Nice scent.  25 gallon reg. $ 199.99 SALE 50% off 

Variegated Hollywood Juniper, Juniperus chinensis 'Torulosa Variegata'.  An unusual evergreen with vivid green and gold variegated foliage, will add lively color to the landscape and makes an eye-catching specimen.  Loves full sun, drought tolelant shrub. 15’ T x 10’ W 

And remember, just because it's not a tree or shrub, doesn't mean it can't be evergreen.  Be sure to look into other fun evergreens like the Second Chance Combo Jasmine, Angelina Sedum, Akebia vines, Autumn Ferns, Daphne, and Helleborus.