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Taiwania cryptomerioides

Chinese coffin tree

T. cryptomerioides is a columnar to conical evergreen tree that may reach heights in excess of 50m in the wild but will grow much shorter in cultivation. The treehas dark grey-brown bark that exfoliates in strips and slender, drooping branchlets with blue-green, awl-shaped to sickle-shaped, sharply-pointed juvenile leaves that become scale-like as the tree ages. Mature trees produce cylindrical cones to 12mm long

Synonyms
Taiwania flousiana

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Brown Blue Green
Summer Grey Silver Brown Blue Green
Autumn Grey Silver Brown Blue Green
Winter Grey Silver Brown Blue Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Cupressaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Name status

Correct

Plant range
Taiwan, China, Myanmar, Vietnam

How to grow

Cultivation

Prefers an acidic or neutral, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

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

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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