Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar)

Botanical name

Cryptomeria japonica

Other names

Japanese cedar, Japanese red cedar, Sugi, Cryptomeria fortunei, Cryptomeria sinensis

Genus

Cryptomeria Cryptomeria

Species

C. japonica - C. japonica is a vigorous, conical, evergreen, coniferous tree with peeling, reddish-brown bark, awl-shaped, spirally arranged, mid- to dark green leaves and spherical, green cones turning brown with age.

Native to

Japan

Foliage

Evergreen

Tree shape

Conical, Tall, Upright

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

---

Colour

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

---

How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

General care

Pruning

No pruning is needed. One of few conifers that will coppice successfully.

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings

---

Monthly care advice

---

Where to grow

Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar) will reach a height of 15m and a spread of 8m after 20-50 Years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance, Foliage only

Cultivation

Plant in any moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Needs a sheltered position.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar)

Common pest name

Cypress twig; borer

Scientific pest name

Argyresthia cupressella

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Present (Widespread)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Has spread following introduction; little evidence of significant damage. Stakeholder groups may wish to monitor.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar)

Common pest name

Stubby-root nematode

Scientific pest name

Trichodorus cedarus

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous nematode pest from Asia; occasionally intercepted by the UK. Causes direct feeding damage on plant roots and has the potential to vector viruses.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/