About
Cryptomeria japonica 'Black Dragon' is a compact conifer that typically reaches about 2 meters in height within a decade. It features fibrous, reddish-brown bark and has a full canopy of deep green foliage. The plant exhibits strong, upright growth at first, which eventually transitions to a denser, conical form as it matures.
About the genus
Cryptomeria are substantial evergreen trees characterized by their reddish-brown bark and thick foliage made up of short, awl-shaped leaves that spiral around the branchlets. The cones produced by these trees are round in shape.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conifers
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Tolerates most soils, but prefers a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Requires a sheltered site. Dislikes waterlogging and salt-laden winds
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Phytophthora root rot and honey fungus (rarely)