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Cryptomeria japonica 'Bandai-sugi'
  • RHS AGM

Japanese cedar 'Bandai-sugi'

A slow-growing medium-sized evergreen conifer to 2m, with an irregularly rounded outline and very dense foliage, with short awl-shaped needles turning bronze in winter

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Bronze
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Cupressaceae
Native to the UK
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

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • 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)

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