About

This robust evergreen conifer can reach approximately 7 meters in height within a decade. It features fibrous, red-brown bark and has uniquely twisted branches adorned with flattened needles that are tightly spiraled around them.

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, Trees
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Architectural

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)