About
Cryptomeria japonica (Elegans Group) 'Elegans' is a robust, upright evergreen with a broadly columnar shape. Its layered branches support blue-green leaves that transition in color throughout the year, showcasing purples accented with reds and oranges during the autumn months. This variety reaches a height of up to 4 meters and has shallow, weak roots, necessitating a protected planting site.
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
- Clay, Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conifers, Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in any moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Requires a sheltered site
- Pruning
- No pruning required. Will tolerate coppicing
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to phytophthora root rot and honey fungus (rarely)