Cryptomeria japonica 'Black Dragon'

RHS Plant Profile

Japanese cedar 'Black Dragon'

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Conifers

A small conifer, to around 2m high in 10 years, with fibrous red-brown bark and dense, very dark green foliage. Initial growth is vigorous and upright, later slowing and filling in to a bushy, conical shape

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height: 1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H6

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Cupressaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Columnar upright
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

Tolerates most soils, but prefers a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Requires a sheltered site. Dislikes waterlogging and salt-laden winds

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
Cottage and informal garden
Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

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