Cryptomeria japonica 'Spiralis'

RHS Plant Profile
grannies' ringlets
grannies' ringlets RHS / Janet Cubey

Synonyms

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

Award of Garden Merit
Conifers Trees

'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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–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. 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)