Species Japanese cedar Guide
dark-green foliage

Japanese cedar

Cryptomeria japonica 'Spiralis'

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

7

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers In Winter

Sun:

Full sun, Part sun/part shade, Sheltered

Soil:

Acidic, Humus rich, Well-drained

Cones:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Japanese cedar 'Spiralis' should be watered every 10 to 14 days, depending on the weather and temperature. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not too soggy or overly dry. If the weather is especially warm, the plant will require more frequent watering. When watering, saturate the soil until water drains from the bottom of the pot, and then do not water again until the surface of the soil appears dry.

sunlight

Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica 'Spiralis') prefers to be grown in full sun, especially in colder climates. It is very tolerant of shade but in order to maximize growth, it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with hot summers, Japanese cedar may need more shade during the peak heat of the day in order to prevent potential damage to the leaves.

pruning

Japanese cedars (Cryptomeria japonica 'Spiralis') should be pruned annually during the late spring. Although some light pruning to shape the tree is beneficial throughout the year, it is best to limit heavier pruning to the late spring months. Pruning should focus on removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Newly forming shoots should also be removed as they appear throughout the growing season in order to maintain the desired shape. Pruning should be kept to a minimum, as Japanese cedars can easily become over-pruned and attain an unnatural look. It is recommended that no more than 1-third of the growth should be removed in any given year.