Japanese Cedar

Cryptomeria japonica Elegans, also known as Japanese Cedar, is funky tree that has foliage with interesting texture and a feathery-like appearance; it is hard to pass one resisting the urge to have a “feel” of the soft looking foliage!

Unlike most conifers which tend to be fairly static throughout the year, this tree gives a super show throughout the winter, turning from a bright green to purple-bronze during the winter. At this point many people are somewhat concerned and make a call to us, but do not fear as this is all part of the charm of this tree!

Cryptomeria japonica was introduced from Japan in 1854; it grows to between 3-7m at maturity and can often reach as wide as it is tall.

It is a useful small tree which is a consistent performer and tolerates all soils, however it does prefer the planting area to be well drained.

Japanese Cedar is a super choice for gardens; small, evergreen, bushy, interesting all year round and easy to maintain, what more could one want from a tree! It is particularly useful for planting schemes that require a winter focus to brighten up the long winter months. At this point, it would contrast wonderfully with anything light in colour: plants such as Birch, or landscaping features such as a stone wall.

This tree is difficult to identify, so it is the perfect tree to impress your friends and neighbours with, as it is unlikely they will have an answer to your “guess what?”.

Mature height: 3-7m

Common names

Japanese Cedar

Height of tree

3-7m

Tree type

Evergreen

Soil type

Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Pyramidal

Foliage Colour

Green, Red/Purple

Looks good in

Summer, Autumn

Privacy

Screening from ground level

Location

Garden, Parkland

Genus

Cryptomeria