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Cryptomeria japonica 'Spiralis'

grannies' ringlets

'Spiralis' is a slow-growing, semi-dwarf, evergreen conifer with narrow, wedge-shaped needles which are curved and spirally-twisted around the shoots. Young plants have a ragged outline, developing into a spreading dome and ultimately a tall cone up to 6m tall

Synonyms
Cryptomeria japonica 'Yore-sugi'
Cryptomeria japonica var. sinensis 'Spiralis'

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 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

West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical 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. Requires a sheltered position

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • 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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