Cryptomeria japonica 'Vilmoriniana' (Dwarf Japanese Cedar)


Michael's Opinion

This dwarf conifer is very round and soft looking. It has interesting fall colour and can be used as an accent in rock gardens. It is fairly low maintenance and tolerates most soil conditions which makes it a good choice for use in any landscape.

Botanical Information

FamilyTaxodiaceae (Cupressaceae)
GenusCryptomeria
Speciesjaponica
Cultivar'Vilmoriniana'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
ReferencesDirr, Michael A. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. 6th ed. Champaign: Stripes Publishing L.L.C., 2009.
OriginIt was first cultivated by de Vilmorin of France in 1890.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6b - 7a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone6b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-20 to -15
Temperature (°F)4 -5
Height30 - 100 cm
Spread50 - 100 cm
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodJanuary, February

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThis shrub is soft in appearance and has a globular growth habit.
ID CharacteristicIt can be identified by its round form.
ShapeThis shrub grows into a dense globe.
LandscapeThis shrub is useful in rock gardens, shrub borders and backgrounds in perennial garden beds.
PropagationThis cultivar needs to be propagated from cuttings and grafted. It can also be propagated by air layering or tip layering.
CultivationThe Dwarf Japanese Cedar prefers full sun but does well in partial shade. It needs moist but well-drained soil that is fertile, and needs to be watered frequently. It tolerates acidic, alkaline, and neutral soils as well as clay, sandy, or loamy conditions. It is frost hardy but needs to be placed in an area sheltered from drying winds. It does not need regular pruning and it is fairly low-maintenance.
PestsIt is generally pest and disease free.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe bark is thick and reddish brown with straight vertical furrows and is exfoliating.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaves are short and leathery; they overlap and curve inward slightly forming a whorled arrangement.
Flower DescriptionThe flowers are green or brown.
Colour DescriptionThe foliage is grey-green in the summer and turns reddish purple in autumn and winter.
Texture DescriptionThis shrub has a soft texture.

Photographs