Japanese Cedar

Specimen, part sun tolerant, evergreen conifer that needs frequent watering until established.

Botanical Name: Cryptomeria

Varieties we carry:

• Globosa nana

• Dragon Knight

• Yoshino or Radicans

• Gyokuryu

• Black Dragon

The following varieties may be available for special request: Tansu

Seasons of availability: Spring and Fall.

Landscape Value:

Needled, woody evergreen tree with a soft graceful habit.  The species can exceed 100 ft tall, but there are many dwarf varieties that are often used as a shrub. Bark is highly ornamental, showing reddish brown peeling off in long stripes. Deer resistance is fair, with dense foliage that provides shelter and nesting sites for wildlife. This conifer has versatile landscape uses, from specimen trees to privacy screens to compact foundation plants. Japanese cedar provides year-round texture and color. Larger forms like Yoshino or Radicans may be useful as a Leyland Cypress alternative.

Plant Care:

Japanese Cedar does best in full sun to partial shade and is hardy to Zones 5-9.  Be sure to water Japanese Cedar frequently until it is established.  This cedar is adaptable to many soil types, but does best in moist, well-drained soil. They may have issues with leaf blights and vascular fungal disease, particularly in conditions of drought and poor air circulation. Mulch the prepared soil base to retain moisture and fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer to encourage new growth. 

Ideal planting seasons: Fall and Winter.