Cryptomeria japonica
Japanese red cedar, Japanese cedar, Sugi
- Height × spread
- 0.2m – 20m × 0.2m – 8m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The species forms a large and characterful tree with red bark and bright green needles. There are innumerable hybrids, some making magnificent trees, others of compact habit. Forms are available with frothy looking foliage that takes on bronzed winter tints. Some forms have compressed foliage, while the form 'Cryptomeria japonica 'Cristata' has cockscomb like sprays of foliage. There are dwarf forms with variegated foliage. The small plants make good rock garden plants, or can be pleasing small features. The large forms need plenty of space since they may reach a height of 20 metres or so.
- Foliage colour
- Brown, Gold, Green, Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell, Cone, Oval, Round
- Height
- 0.2m – 20m
- Spread
- 0.2m – 8m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Seaside garden, Rock garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural, Coloured stems, Architectural, Rabbit resistant
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Feed & mulch some varieties differently
Some plant varieties within this species require additional feeding and/or mulching. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
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