Cryptomeria japonica (Elegans Group) 'Elegans'

RHS Plant Profile
Japanese cedar 'Elegans'
Award of Garden Merit
Conifers Trees

A large growing, broadly columnar, upright evergreen with tiered branches holding blue-green foliage that changes throughout the seasons, turning purple with hints of red and orange in Autumn. It grows to 4m tall and has weak, shallow roots that require a sheltered location

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–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
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

Grow in any moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Requires a sheltered site

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required. Will tolerate coppicing

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

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