A Statement Evergreen To Make a Gorgeous Splash In Your Landscape: Japanese Cedar
If Japanese Cedar wasn’t on your 2025 bingo card…it’s time to reassess. The lush wall of neon green foliage alone should be enough to convince you that this tree deserves a permanent place in your landscape. But the benefits don’t stop there! Keep reading this blog to learn all the reasons why we love the iconic specimen that is the Japanese Cedar Tree.
History of Japanese Cedar
Botanically referenced as Cryptomeria Japonica, Japanese Cedar originated from its homelands in Japan and China. The unique evergreen tree has been cultivated for centuries for timber and ornamental purposes. The tree holds cultural significance as the national symbol of Japan, and it can often be found planted at the historically acclaimed temples and shrines. The tree is celebrated in various forms of art, from paintings to poetry, symbolizing strength and endurance.
Western botanists and plant enthusiasts of the 19th century were deeply impressed by the refined form and commanding presence of the Japanese cedar. Once introduced to Europe and North America, it was embraced as an ornamental species, valued for its distinct qualities and adaptability. Today, the tree endures as a symbol of cultural and horticultural exchange, flourishing in regions far removed from its homeland.
Reasons To Love Cryptomeria Japonica
Fast Growing and Aesthetically Pleasing
The main buy-in factor of Cryptomeria Japonica is its lush and vibrant green feathery foliage that cascades down, often in a dense pyramidal form. The electric green color is beautifully juxtaposed by the tree’s reddish brown bark, which peels in long, satisfying strips. Beyond the unique foliage, Cryptomeria Japonica plants are praised for their impressive growth rates. In particular, some cultivars like Cryptomeria 'Radicans' can grow at rates up to five feet per year!
Low-Maintenance and Versatile
The next benefit of growing Japanese Cedar in the landscape is its low-maintenance care regimen and highly versatile nature. These plants require minimal pruning, rarely need trimming to maintain their shape, and have few pest or disease problems, making them a hearty and low-maintenance choice. Cryptomeria works in a wide range of landscape designs and is popular for use in hedging and privacy screens, as well as a focal point tree or anchoring corner specimen.
Highly Tolerant and Deer Resistant
This tree is adaptable and can grow in a range of soils, including poor or poorly drained soil, and tolerates salt, which is beneficial in urban or difficult locations. The Yoshino Japanese Cryptomeria is a relatively deer-resistant option for adding lasting greenery to your landscape.
Our Varieties of Japanese Cedar and How They Differ
Now that you understand the many benefits that come with growing a Japanese Cedar, it’s time to select which variety best suits your needs.
Cryptomeria Yoshino
Cryptomeria japonica' Yoshino' is an outstanding option if you’re searching for a tall, elegant evergreen to make a bold statement in the landscape. This fast-growing tree naturally forms a symmetrical, pyramid-like shape, bringing structure and year-round interest to any setting. Hardy in Zones 5 through 7, it can reach impressive heights of up to 60 feet with a spread of about 30 feet, making it well-suited for larger spaces. Its bright blue-green foliage provides a fresh pop of color in every season, while its adaptability allows it to thrive in full sun with moderate water needs.
Cryptomeria Radicans
For a more compact and cold-tolerant alternative to the Yoshino, Cryptomeria japonica ‘Radicans’ is an excellent choice. Hardy in Zones 5–6 (and into 7), this Japanese cedar grows 30 to 40 feet tall with a spread of 15 to 20 feet, making it well-suited for various landscapes. Its dense, blue-green foliage holds its color year-round, while its adaptability allows it to thrive in full sun with moderate water. Highly valued for exposed sites, screening, windbreaks, or as an ornamental specimen, ‘Radicans’ offers outstanding resilience. The popular conifer is cold-tolerant, low-maintenance, and naturally resistant to serious insect and disease problems.
Cryptomeria Globosa Nana
Cryptomeria Globosa Nana boasts all your favorite qualities as the other Cryptomeria varieties, except in a much smaller and naturally dome-shaped form. This hardy dwarf Japanese cedar is also drought-resistant, deer-resistant, and provides year-round color and texture to landscapes. Hardy to zones 5-9, the Globosa enjoys conditions of full sun and well-draining soils. At maturity, this shrub generally reaches a height of around 4 feet tall and wide.
Shop Standout Evergreen Trees Online Today
Whether you’re drawn to the towering elegance of ‘Yoshino,’ the cold-hardy strength of ‘Radicans,’ or the compact charm of ‘Globosa Nana,’ the Japanese Cedar offers a standout evergreen option for nearly any landscape. With its striking year-round foliage, adaptability, and low-maintenance nature, this timeless tree is sure to make a lasting impression. Explore our collection today and bring the beauty and resilience of Cryptomeria japonica to your outdoor space.