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Cryptomeria japonica 'Vilmoriniana'

Japanese cedar 'Vilmoriniana'

A dwarf, slow-growing conifer forming a dense, globose bush, with short, olive-green needle-like foliage, turning to shades of red, bronze and purple in the autumn as the temperatures become lower. An ideal choice for pots and containers, gravel gardens or at the front of a border. A great alternative to Buxus (Box)

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 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 Red Bronze Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

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

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Cupressaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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. No formal pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to phytophthora root rot and honey fungus (rarely)

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