About
Cryptomeria japonica 'Vilmoriniana' is a compact, slow-growing conifer that develops into a rounded, bushy shape. Its short, needle-like leaves are initially olive-green, shifting to red, bronze, and purple hues as autumn approaches and temperatures drop. This cultivar is well-suited for use in pots and containers, as well as in gravel gardens or as a front-of-border plant. It serves as an excellent substitute for Buxus (Box).
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
- South-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conifers
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grows in any moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position. No formal pruning required
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- 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)