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Cryptomeria japonica 'Rasen-sugi'

Japanese cedar 'Rasen-sugi'

A vigorous evergreen conifer, to around 7m high in 10 years, with fibrous, red-brown bark, and twisted stems with flattened needles arranged in dense, closely wrapped spirals around them

Synonyms
Cryptomeria japonica 'Rasen'

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Cupressaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
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

Tolerates most soils, but prefers a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Requires a sheltered site. Dislikes waterlogging and salt-laden winds

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to Phytophthora root rot and honey fungus (rarely)

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