Cryptomeria japonica 'ELEGANS VIRIDIS' Japanese cedar

Japanese cedars proved to grow happily in our garden where winter temperature dropped to -27°C a couple of times. They showed no damage whatsoever and thrive. This variety has one more plus as opposed to other cryptomerias – it does not change its colour to coppery brown in winter and remains green all year round.

Elegans Viridis is the name confirming that this Japanese cedar is green at all times. It is also quite different from other cryptomerias due to its foliage and branches that are soft, long and drooping at the ends. Evergreen needles are longer, not so crowded along the branches making a feathery appearance. Their colour is limey green in spring and dark green for the rest of the year.

It grows slowly or moderately when fully established into a widely pyramidal shape. It is very dense and pruning is not desired as it loses its natural character if pruned or trimmed. Elegans Viridis looks great grown as a specimen shrub or mixed with other compact conifers or acid-loving plants such as Japanese azaleas or rhododendrons.

It grows best in deep, fertile, acid, moist soil. You should never let the soil dry out especially from mid spring to early summer when it develops new branches. Grow it in dappled sun or part shade, or full sun with good mulching. Fully hardy to -23°C in full sun or -27°C in winter shade (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 05-02-2010