Cryptomeria japonica

RHS Plant Profile
Japanese cedar

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Japanese cedar RHS 1999

Other common names

Japanese red cedar, sugi

Synonyms

Cryptomeria japonica var. sinensis
Cryptomeria kawaii
Cryptomeria fortunei
Cryptomeria sinensis

Conifers Trees
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A vigorous evergreen conifer making a large tree with conical habit and distinctive, fibrous red-brown bark. Leaves short, awl-shaped, spirally arranged. Cones 2cm, globose, green becoming brown

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 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 East–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
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
Correct
Plant Range
China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows in any moist but well-drained soil. Requires sheltered position

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required but is one of few conifers that is suitable for coppicing

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

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