Photo By S. Rae , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to Grow and Care for Japanese red cedar

Japanese red cedar, also known as Sugi, Cryptomeria

Japanese red cedar is known for being a hardy and low-maintenance option for gardeners. A key requirement for the health of japanese red cedar is ensuring it's planted in well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Additionally, it's vital to provide japanese red cedar with sufficient space to grow, as it can become quite large. No special pruning is required, but occasional thinning may benefit its growth and form.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Japanese red cedar

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	5-6
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	5-9

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Varieties of Japanese red cedar

Japanese red cedar 'Spiralis'

Japanese red cedar 'Spiralis' is a cultivar notable for its distinctive twisted needle-like leaves, which spiral along its branches, giving it a unique, sculptural appearance. This slow-growing conifer reaches a modest size, making it an attractive specimen for smaller gardens. Adaptable to a range of conditions, japanese red cedar 'Spiralis' thrives best in well-drained soil with adequate moisture, and full to partial sunlight fosters its lush, green coloration.

Japanese red cedar 'Globosa Nana'

A cultivar of Japanese red cedar, japanese red cedar 'Globosa Nana' is a dwarf specimen described as a "staple" of small gardens everywhere. The blue-green, slightly needly leaves turn yellow-green in summer and bronze or even reddish in winter. 'Globosa Nana' is an extremely slow grower compared to other cultivars, and will not add more than a few inches per year.

Japanese red cedar 'Elegans Compacta'

Japanese red cedar 'Elegans Compacta' is a dense, dwarf conifer characterized by soft, feathery foliage that shifts from bright green to bronze-purple in the cold months. This compact variety thrives in moist, well-drained soil and enjoys full sun to partial shade. With a slow growth rate, it maintains a rounded, well-structured shape, ideal for small gardens or as a focal point in landscape designs.

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More General Info About Japanese red cedar

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Quickly Identify Japanese red cedar

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Japanese red cedar is a striking evergreen that exhibits a conical to pyramidal growth habit, reaching impressive heights of 50 to 70 feet (15 to 21 meters) and spans 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) wide. The plant is notable for its saber-shaped leaves that characteristically curl inward toward the branches. These leaves display a range of lengths on a single branch, contributing to its textured appearance. The male cones of japanese red cedar present themselves in terminal clusters, are round and measure approximately 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in diameter.