About
This compact conifer reaches about 50 cm in height within a decade, developing a rounded shape that creates a dome of lush greenery. In spring and summer, the new growth appears pale green, transitioning to a rich deep green as it matures. In winter, the foliage takes on a deep reddish-bronze hue.
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
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, 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 or early autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to phytophthora root rot and honey fungus (rarely)