Taiwania cryptomerioides
Chinese coffin tree
T. cryptomerioides is a columnar to conical evergreen tree that may reach heights in excess of 50m in the wild but will grow much shorter in cultivation. The treehas dark grey-brown bark that exfoliates in strips and slender, drooping branchlets with blue-green, awl-shaped to sickle-shaped, sharply-pointed juvenile leaves that become scale-like as the tree ages. Mature trees produce cylindrical cones to 12mm long
![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/Web_Use-rbd071117-354_14373.jpg)
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Grey Silver Brown | Blue Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Grey Silver Brown | Blue Green | ||
Autumn | Grey Silver Brown | Blue Green | ||
Winter | Grey Silver Brown | Blue Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Cupressaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Taiwan, China, Myanmar, Vietnam
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers an acidic or neutral, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.