Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Compacta'
Japanese cedar 'Elegans Compacta'
A bushy, evergreen conifer to 2m, with horizontal branches and long, soft and tactile blue-green foliage in spring, turning green in summer then finally dark purple to red in the winter
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Purple Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows in any moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position. See conifer cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- 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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