Cryptomeria

Japan's national tree, a stately conifer with soft, spirally arranged needles and attractive reddish-brown shredding bark. Cryptomeria grows quickly into an elegant pyramidal specimen that can serve as a screen or focal point in the landscape. The foliage may bronze in cold winters, which some find attractive and others dislike, so choose bronze-resistant cultivars for consistently green winter color. Plant in moist, acidic, well-drained soil with protection from harsh winter winds.

Collect small round cones in fall when they turn brown. Place cones in paper bags at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks until they open and release seeds. Cryptomeria seeds benefit from 60 to 90 days of cold stratification in moist peat at 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Sow stratified seeds on the surface of a well-drained seedling mix and cover lightly with fine vermiculite. Keep moist under bright indirect light at 65 to 70 degrees. Germination occurs in 3 to 6 weeks. Seedlings grow moderately and reach 4 to 6 inches in the first year. Many cultivars do not come true from seed and must be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or fall.

The Season Plate

Your Cryptomeria Year

Composed for Zone 7 · typical seasons · frost passes Apr 2, returns Nov 1

Plant Cryptomeria Mar – Apr, Oct – Nov, pick —. Check the planting methods below and set your climate to personalize these windows.

Planting windows

Mar – Apr, Oct – Nov

Plant · Mar – Apr, Oct – Nov

Outdoor planting

after Apr 2

once frost risk has passed

First picking

around Sep 28

≈ 3650 days from this planting · 1-2 cm per plant

Composed for —ColdTemperateMildWarmNorthSouthUse my locationUsed once to set your season · only the zone is kept

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Cryptomeria, also called Japanese cedar, is a fast-growing conifer that adds 2 to 3 feet per year in favorable conditions, quickly forming an elegant pyramidal screen or specimen. Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and moist, acidic, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5. Protection from harsh winter winds is essential, as desiccating winds cause unsightly foliage browning. Space trees 8 to 15 feet apart for screening or allow 20 feet or more for specimen planting.

Plant balled-and-burlapped or container-grown trees in early spring or fall. Dig the hole 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball and set at the same depth as the nursery. Water deeply at planting and mulch with 3 to 4 inches of acidic organic matter such as pine bark or composted leaves. Maintain consistent moisture throughout the first two growing seasons with weekly deep watering.

Cryptomeria requires minimal pruning; its natural form is symmetrical and attractive. If needed, prune in late spring after new growth emerges. Avoid cutting back into bare wood, as cryptomeria does not regenerate well from old wood. The reddish-brown bark peels in vertical strips on mature trees, adding winter interest. Foliage of some cultivars bronzes in winter, which is reversible and not a sign of damage.

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Cryptomeria thrives in moist, acidic, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5. It does not tolerate alkaline conditions or poor drainage. Amend heavy clay with generous quantities of pine bark fines, compost, and perlite before planting. Mulch annually with 3 to 4 inches of acidic organic matter extending to the drip line. Fertilize in early spring with an acidifying fertilizer formulated for evergreens or azaleas. Avoid late-season fertilization that promotes tender growth vulnerable to frost damage. Established trees in organically rich soil may need little supplemental feeding.

Ideal Temperature

Hardiness Zone Compatibility

Cryptomeria is not grown for food harvest. The wood is highly valued in Japan for construction, furniture, and traditional crafts due to its light weight, straight grain, and pleasant fragrance. In landscape settings, the aromatic wood trimmings from pruning can be chipped for use as decorative or fragrant mulch. Small round cones can be collected in fall for ornamental use or seed propagation. The attractive exfoliating bark is a notable ornamental feature on mature trees.

Storage & Preservation

Cryptomeria wood is naturally resistant to decay and insects due to its aromatic oils. Pruning trimmings can be chipped and used as fragrant mulch, retaining their scent for several months. Fresh foliage cuttings last well in water for floral arrangements, remaining green for 2 to 3 weeks in cool conditions. Seeds should be extracted from dried cones and stored in sealed containers in the refrigerator where they maintain viability for 2 to 3 years.

Leaf Blight

Disease

Small reddish-brown spots on needles that enlarge and cause needle browning and drop. Typically worst in the lower interior of the canopy where humidity is highest.

Prevention Ensure good air circulation by providing adequate spacing. Avoid overhead irrigation that keeps foliage wet for extended periods. Remove dead branches from the interior to improve airflow.

Fix: Apply copper-based fungicide in early spring as new growth emerges. Repeat applications every 2 to 3 weeks during wet spring weather. Remove and destroy severely infected branches.

Spider Mites

Pest

Fine stippling and bronzing of needles, especially in hot dry weather. Tiny webbing visible between needles on close inspection. Severe infestations cause needle drop and thin canopy.

Prevention Maintain adequate soil moisture and humidity around trees. Avoid dusty conditions. Preserve natural predatory mite populations by minimizing broad-spectrum pesticide use.

Fix: Spray foliage with strong jets of water to dislodge mites. Apply horticultural oil or miticide for heavy infestations. Repeat treatments every 7 to 10 days until controlled.

Scale Insects

Pest

Small armored or soft scales on needles and branches cause yellowing, reduced vigor, and honeydew secretion that attracts sooty mold. Heavy infestations cause branch dieback.

Prevention Monitor regularly for early detection. Encourage natural predators including ladybugs and parasitic wasps. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization that promotes soft growth.

Fix: Apply dormant oil in late winter before new growth. Target crawler stage in spring with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. For heavy infestations, systemic insecticides may be warranted.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Winter foliage bronzing is the most common complaint, especially with the species type and certain cultivars. Select bronze-resistant varieties like Yoshino or Radicans for consistently green winter appearance. Desiccating winter winds cause needle burn and branch dieback on exposed sites. Drought stress during summer leads to needle yellowing and increased susceptibility to spider mites. Trees planted in alkaline soil develop iron chlorosis with yellowing needles. Heavy snow or ice loads can splay open the canopy; shake off heavy snow promptly and consider cabling multi-leader specimens.

Growing Tips

1. Plant cryptomeria in acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5 for optimal growth. Amend alkaline soils with elemental sulfur or incorporate generous amounts of peat moss and pine bark at planting time.
2. Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and protection from harsh winter winds, which can cause foliage desiccation and browning on exposed sites in cold climates.
3. Water deeply and consistently during the first two to three years after planting, providing at least 2-3 cm of water per week during dry periods. Established trees are moderately drought-tolerant but perform best with consistent moisture.
4. Maintain a 5-10 cm layer of acidic organic mulch such as pine bark, pine needles, or composted leaves over the root zone, keeping mulch several centimeters away from the trunk to prevent bark rot.
5. Avoid heavy pruning of mature cryptomeria as the trees do not regenerate well from old wood. Limit pruning to light shaping of young trees, removal of dead or damaged branches, and maintaining a single central leader.
6. Select cultivars appropriate for your space and climate. Compact varieties like Globosa Nana and Black Dragon work well in smaller gardens, while Yoshino and Radicans are excellent choices for tall screens and specimen plantings.
7. Fertilize annually in early spring with an acidic slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens, applying at the rate recommended on the label within the drip line of the tree.
8. Monitor for common pests including bagworms, spider mites, and scale insects. Treat bagworm infestations early with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or hand-pick bags before larvae emerge in spring.
9. In regions with heavy snowfall, gently brush accumulated snow from branches to prevent breakage, especially on young trees and cultivars with dense branching habits.
10. When planting as a hedge or screen, space trees 1.5-3 meters apart depending on cultivar mature width. Allow adequate spacing from structures and property lines to accommodate the tree's eventual spread.