Cryptomeria japonica 'Vilmoriniana'

RHS Plant Profile
Japanese cedar 'Vilmoriniana'
Award of Garden Merit
Conifers

A dwarf, slow-growing conifer forming a dense, globose bush, with short, olive-green needle-like foliage, turning to shades of red, bronze and purple in the autumn as the temperatures become lower. An ideal choice for pots and containers, gravel gardens or at the front of a border. A great alternative to Buxus (Box)

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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 in a sheltered position. No formal pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

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