Finding a specimen that offers both architectural structure and a soft, weeping habit can feel like a treasure hunt. The unique form of this narrow, columnar conifer with cascading branches makes it a living sculpture in any landscape, but sourcing a healthy, correctly labeled plant is a different challenge entirely.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve compared dozens of listings from nursery specialists, scoured technical specifications for hardiness zone accuracy, and studied grower feedback to separate true specimens from mislabeled lookalikes in the market today.
This guide breaks down the key specs, sizing realities, and value tiers to help you confidently choose the best chamaecyparis nootkatensis glauca pendula for your specific planting goals, whether you are filling a tight corner or building a long-term garden centerpiece.
How To Choose The Right Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis Glauca Pendula
Buying a live tree online means betting on a product that will grow for decades. The mistake many make is fixating on the mature picture while ignoring the actual size and root development of the plant being shipped. For a weeping conifer like this, the starting size dictates how many seasons you wait before it delivers a landscape impact, so understanding what you are actually getting is priority one.
Assess the Starter Size and Pot Volume
A two-year-old tree sold in a 4-inch nursery cup is fundamentally different from one shipped in a 1-gallon pot. The smaller starter will need more protection during its first winter and will take longer to establish a commanding presence. Check whether the seller states the container size, the height from the soil line, and the age. Many budget-tier listings ship rooted cuttings that measure only six to nine inches tall, which requires patience and extra care during the first growing season.
Verify Hardiness Zone and Sun Tolerance
The true Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ thrives in USDA zones 4 through 8. If a listing claims a zone rating outside this range or does not list one at all, proceed with caution. Equally important is the sun exposure requirement — this tree performs best in full sun to partial shade. Full shade will cause the foliage to thin and the weeping habit to lose its density, so match the planting site’s light conditions to the tree’s needs before buying.
Confirm the Cultivar Name
The name “Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis Glauca Pendula” specifically refers to the blue-foliage weeping form of the Alaskan cedar. Some listings use the generic “Pendula” label without the “Glauca” descriptor, which can indicate a straight green form or a completely different species like the weeping blue atlas cedar. Always read the product title and technical specs to confirm you are buying a blue-needle Alaskan cedar, not a substitute with a similar growth habit but different long-term care needs.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weeping Alaska Cedar 2 Year | True Cultivar | Authentic weeping habit | USDA Zone 4-8, 35ft mature | Amazon |
| Weeping Willow 1 Gal | Fast Grower | Rapid landscape fill | 1-2ft in 1-gallon pot | Amazon |
| Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar 3 Yr | Blue Foliage | Icy-blue accent | 3-year-old, cascading form | Amazon |
| Colorado Blue Spruce 1-2ft | Silvery Blue | Deer-resistant screening | 1-2ft, full sun, hardy | Amazon |
| Horstmann Atlas Cedar 2 Yr | Dwarf Form | Compact icy-blue specimen | 10ft mature, zone 5-8 | Amazon |
| Sierra Nevada 5-Tree Collection | Variety Pack | Mixed conifer start | 5 species, clay soil | Amazon |
| Dwarf Alberta Spruce #3 Container | Dense Cone | Symmetrical structure | #3 container, dense form | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Weeping Alaska Cedar – Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ – 2 Year Live Plant
This is the listing that matches the actual Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ cultivar. The description correctly calls out the upright trunk with sweeping arched side branches and the dark green foliage that forms the classic weeping curtain. The mature size projection of 35 feet tall by 10 feet wide is realistic for this species under good growing conditions, and the zone 4-8 rating aligns with what this tree needs to survive long-term.
Buyer reports confirm the tree arrives in a small cup — typically a 4-inch by 3-inch container — with a height of around six to nine inches above the soil line. This is standard for a two-year-old starter, though several purchasers noted the gap between the mature product photo and the tiny plant received. The tree is organic, needs moderate watering, and thrives in full sun to partial shade.
The key selling point here is genetic accuracy. If you want a true weeping Alaskan cedar that will eventually develop the signature drooping branch structure, this is the one to buy. Just plan for several years of patient growth before it commands attention in the landscape, and consider winter protection for the first season if you live in a harsh zone 4 region.
What works
- Correctly labeled Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ cultivar
- Hardy across zones 4 to 8 with good drought tolerance once established
- Organic material, healthy root structure reported by most buyers
What doesn’t
- Starter plant is very small (6-9 inches), not the full tree shown in the listing image
- Size disappointment is a recurring theme — manage expectations before ordering
- Limited product description lacks pot size and precise height measurement
2. Brighter Blooms – Colorado Blue Spruce Tree, 1-2 ft.
While not a weeping Alaskan cedar, the Colorado Blue Spruce is a strong alternative if you want the silvery-blue needle color and a pyramidal form without the weeping habit. This listing from Brighter Blooms offers a 1-2 foot tree that includes the pot height, making it one of the larger starters in this roundup. Several buyers noted it survived a harsh Minnesota winter in poor clay soil when caged against deer, which speaks to its toughness.
The tree is deer resistant, needs full sun, and offers year-round color. Some reviews mention uneven branch growth on one side, which is common for young nursery stock that has not been pruned for symmetry. The warranty covers delivery issues, though cosmetic leaf damage from shipping is excluded — a standard policy for live plants.
If your priority is getting a bigger blue-needle conifer in the ground faster, this spruce delivers immediate visual weight that the smaller weeping starters cannot match. It grows into a classic Christmas tree silhouette rather than a weeping form, so choose based on your desired landscape shape rather than trying to force this into a weeping role.
What works
- Larger starter at 1-2 feet including pot, visible right away
- Excellent cold hardiness documented by buyer reports from zone 3-4 areas
- Deer resistant, reducing the need for protective caging long-term
What doesn’t
- Pyramidal upright form, not a weeping or cascading habit
- Some trees arrive with sparse branching on one side
- Cannot ship to Arizona due to federal restrictions
3. Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar 3 – Year Live Tree
The Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar is a different species from the Alaskan cedar, but it deserves serious consideration if your primary goal is a cascading blue-needle specimen. This listing offers a three-year-old tree, which typically means a more developed root system and a larger top structure compared to the two-year-old starters. The blue foliage on this tree is intense and holds its color year-round.
One major difference is the hardiness range — the Blue Atlas Cedar prefers zones 5-8 and is less cold-tolerant than the Alaskan cedar, which can handle zone 4. If you live in a region with harsh winter freezes, the Atlas form will need more protection or a protected microclimate. The weeping habit is also distinct, with longer, more pendulous branches that create a dramatic waterfall effect.
For buyers who want the weeping look and the blue color but have slightly milder winters, this three-year-old starter offers a head start on size over the two-year Alaskan option. Just verify your zone compatibility before committing, and be ready for a tree that may need staking in its early years to develop a strong central leader.
What works
- Three years of growth means a larger, more robust starter plant
- Intense blue needle color that stands out in the landscape
- True weeping habit with long cascading branches
What doesn’t
- Less cold hardy — limited to zones 5-8, risky in colder climates
- Mature size can reach 15 feet, wider than the narrow Alaskan cedar
- Limited customer reviews available to gauge shipping quality
4. American Plant Exchange Weeping Willow Tree, 1 Gallon Pot, 1-2ft Tall
The Weeping Willow is not a conifer and does not have blue needles, but it offers the fastest path to a weeping landscape tree. This listing provides a 1-gallon pot with a plant standing 1-2 feet tall, and with the willow’s aggressive growth rate, you can expect several feet of new growth per year. The branches droop gracefully, creating the same emotional effect as the Alaskan cedar but on a much faster timeline.
The trade-off is longevity and structure. Weeping willows are relatively short-lived trees — typically 30 to 50 years — compared to the century-plus lifespan of a true cedar. They also require consistent moisture and can be invasive near water lines or septic systems. The ornamental appeal is undeniable, but the maintenance needs are higher than a low-water conifer.
Use this option if you need quick visual screening or a dramatic weeping accent in a wet area, and you are willing to accept a shorter lifespan and more cleanup. It is not a substitute for the blue-needle cedar, but it fills a different niche for impatient gardeners who want the look now.
What works
- Extremely fast growth, provides landscape impact within 2-3 years
- Shipped in a 1-gallon pot, a larger and more robust starter
- Disease resistant, low insect problems compared to other willows
What doesn’t
- Not a conifer — deciduous, drops leaves in fall
- Short lifespan, high water needs, potential root invasion issues
- No blue foliage — standard green and yellow tones only
5. Horstmann Atlas Cedar 2 – Year Live Tree
The Horstmann Atlas Cedar is a compact dwarf form of the Blue Atlas Cedar, reaching only 10 feet at maturity. This makes it a much better fit for small gardens, tight corners, or container growing compared to the full-size weeping Alaskan cedar that hits 35 feet. The icy-blue foliage on short upsweeping branches gives it a distinctive texture that pairs well with darker evergreens.
This tree is rated for zones 5-8 and is drought tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for drier climates. It is also marketed as suitable for bonsai, which indicates that the branching responds well to training. The absence of customer reviews on this listing is a concern, as there is no direct feedback on packaging quality or shipping condition.
If space is limited and you want the blue-needle color with a compact footprint, this dwarf Cedar is a smart choice. It will not develop the weeping habit of the Alaskan cedar, but the upright form with blue needles creates a different kind of visual anchor that works well in modern or minimalist garden designs.
What works
- Matures at only 10 feet, perfect for small spaces
- Drought tolerant and low maintenance once established
- Bonsai-friendly branching structure for training enthusiasts
What doesn’t
- No customer reviews available to verify shipping quality
- Not a weeping form — upright growth habit only
- Limited to zones 5-8, not suitable for colder regions
6. Conifers of The Sierra Nevada | Collection of 5 Live Tree Seedlings
This collection from The Jonsteen Company offers five different species native to the Sierra Nevada: Giant Sequoia, Sugar Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Incense Cedar, and Douglas-fir. None of these are weeping or have blue needles, but the Incense Cedar is a true cedar relative with a similar upright growth habit. The value here is in the diversity — you get a mini forest from a single order, which is excellent for educational plantings or reforestation projects.
The seedlings are seed-grown on California’s Redwood Coast and come with transplanting and care instructions. The 100% guarantee adds peace of mind, and the product is designed for full sun with moderate watering in clay soil. These are small starter plugs, not potted trees, so they require careful handling and a protected first season to establish.
Buy this collection if you want to experiment with multiple conifer species at a low cost per plant. It is not a substitute for a single premium specimen tree, but it provides a cost-effective way to populate a larger property with diverse conifer stock over time.
What works
- Five trees for a single purchase price, excellent per-plant value
- 100% guarantee, reducing the risk of dead-on-arrival losses
- Includes instructions for transplanting and long-term care
What doesn’t
- Very small seedlings that need careful nursing through the first year
- No weeping, blue, or Alaskan cedar species in the mix
- No customer reviews available to confirm condition on arrival
7. Picea glauca ‘Conica’ (Dwarf Alberta Spruce) Evergreen, #3 – Size Container
The Dwarf Alberta Spruce is a classic cone-shaped evergreen with dense, bright green needles. It is the polar opposite of the weeping Alaskan cedar in form — symmetrical, rigid, and compact — but it excels as a structural accent in formal gardens, foundation plantings, or container displays. The #3 container size is significantly larger than the small cups used for two-year starters, providing immediate visual weight.
This spruce is fully hardy in zones 3-8, making it more cold-tolerant than the Atlas cedar options and equally hardy as the Alaskan cedar. It requires full sun and moderate water, and it is notoriously low maintenance once established. The biggest complaint from owners is its susceptibility to spider mites in hot, dry conditions, which can cause browning of the inner foliage if not treated.
Choose this tree if your landscape needs a precise, formal shape rather than a soft weeping silhouette. It pairs well as a counterpoint to a weeping specimen, and the larger container size means you skip the two-year waiting period that smaller starters require.
What works
- Large #3 container, immediate landscape presence
- Extremely cold hardy down to zone 3
- Perfect symmetrical cone shape, ideal for formal designs
What doesn’t
- Not a weeping form — rigid upright cone only
- Susceptible to spider mites in hot, dry climates
- Bright green needles, not blue or silvery
Hardware & Specs Guide
Hardiness Zone Compatibility
The Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ is reliably hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. Zone 4 represents winter lows around -30°F, making this one of the hardiest weeping conifers available. If you live in zone 3, provide winter wind protection with burlap or an anti-desiccant spray during the first two seasons. In zone 9, the tree will struggle without afternoon shade and consistent soil moisture.
Mature Size and Growth Rate
A mature weeping Alaskan cedar reaches roughly 35 feet tall and 10 feet wide, with a slow to moderate growth rate of about 12-18 inches per year under ideal conditions. The narrow footprint makes it suitable for small urban lots, but the height requires careful placement away from overhead power lines. Dwarf alternatives like the Horstmann Atlas Cedar top out at 10 feet and grow half as fast.
FAQ
How tall is a two-year-old weeping Alaskan cedar when shipped?
Does this tree stay blue throughout the winter?
Can I grow this tree in a container on a patio?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best chamaecyparis nootkatensis glauca pendula winner is the Weeping Alaska Cedar 2-Year because it is the only listing in this roundup that ships the correct cultivar with the true weeping habit and appropriate hardiness zone rating. If your winters dip regularly below -20°F and you want a blue-needle specimen with more immediate visual heft, the Colorado Blue Spruce offers a larger starter and proven cold tolerance. And for tight spaces where a full-size 35-foot tree is not practical, the compact Horstmann Atlas Cedar delivers icy-blue color in a manageable 10-foot package.