Cryptomeria japonica
Japanese cedar
A vigorous evergreen conifer making a large tree with conical habit and distinctive, fibrous red-brown bark. Leaves short, awl-shaped, spirally arranged. Cones 2cm, globose, green becoming brown
Other common names
Japanese red cedarsugi
Synonyms
Cryptomeria japonica var. sinensisCryptomeria kawaii
see moreCryptomeria fortunei
Cryptomeria sinensis
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Red | Yellow | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Red | Green | Brown | |
| Autumn | Brown Red | Green | ||
| Winter | Brown Red | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Cupressaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Cryptomeria are large evergreen trees with attractive red-brown bark and dense foliage consisting of short awl-shaped leaves arranged spirally around the branchlets; cones are spherical
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows in any moist but well-drained soil. Requires sheltered position
Propagation
Propagate by seed in spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required but is one of few conifers that is suitable for coppicing
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to phytophthora root rot and honey fungus (rarely)
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