
Images Depict Mature Plants
Dwarf Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria ‘Globosa Nana’)
Naturally rounded evergreen beauty.
The Dwarf Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica ‘Globosa Nana’) is prized for its perfect, naturally dome-shaped habit and soft, finely textured needles. Maturing to just 4–6 feet tall and wide, it provides a rich, bright-green presence in the garden without overwhelming smaller spaces. Its globe-like form makes it a standout as a specimen, in mixed borders, or as a foundation planting.
Effortless elegance with minimal care.
This variety keeps its dense, rounded shape without shearing or heavy maintenance. Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9, it adapts to a range of soils provided they are well-drained and perform beautifully in full sun and partial shade. Once established, Dwarf Japanese Cedar is drought-tolerant and resists common pests and diseases, making it an easy-care choice for gardeners of all levels.
Versatile design options.
Use Dwarf Japanese Cedar as a single statement plant in a mixed border, line a walkway with its symmetrical mounds, or plant it in large containers to anchor a patio or entryway. Its evergreen foliage provides a vivid green backdrop for flowering perennials, and its texture adds interest to winter landscapes when many other plants are bare.
Season-long color and deer resistance.
This dependable shrub keeps its vibrant green hue even through cold winters and is naturally deer resistant—ideal for suburban and rural gardens where browsing is an issue. Whether designing a formal garden or simply needing a no-fuss evergreen accent, Dwarf Japanese Cedar ‘Globosa Nana’ offers year-round beauty and unmatched reliability.

Hardiness Zone: | 5-9 |
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Mature Height: | 4 to 6 feet |
Mature Width: | 4 to 6 feet |
Classification: | evergreen shrub |
Sunlight: | Full Sun to Part Sun |
Habit: | Dwarf, Densely branched, Mounding |
Foliage: | Dark Green foliage |
Flower Color: | Inconspicuous |
Pruning Season: | Prune in late spring to maintain shape |
Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as in the mixed border, rock gardens, or planted in mass |
How to Care for Cryptomeria globosa nana
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Dwarf Japanese Cedar for years to come!

How do I plant Dwarf Japanese Cedar ‘Globosa Nana’?
Select a site with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, since this evergreen does not tolerate standing water. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, loosening the soil so roots can spread easily. Place the shrub so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, then backfill and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and ensure good soil-to-root contact. Finish by applying a 2–3 inch layer of mulch, but keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to avoid crown rot. Early spring or early fall planting gives the roots time to establish before heat or cold stress arrives. Mulching helps conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weeds, giving your Dwarf Japanese Cedar the best start for long-term health.

How often should I water Dwarf Japanese Cedar after planting?
During the first growing season, water deeply once or twice per week, adjusting to weather conditions so the soil remains consistently moist but never waterlogged. Deep watering encourages a robust root system, which is key to the shrub’s long-term vigor and its ability to withstand dry spells. Once established—typically after the first full year—your Dwarf Japanese Cedar is moderately drought tolerant, needing supplemental irrigation only during extended dry periods. During hot, dry summers or unseasonably warm winters, a slow soak every couple of weeks will help maintain lush, vibrant foliage and support steady growth.

When and how should I fertilize Cryptomeria Globosa Nana Shrubs?
Apply a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring to give the shrub the nutrients it needs for fresh seasonal growth. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the root zone—never directly against the trunk—and water thoroughly afterward to move nutrients into the soil. If your soil is particularly sandy or nutrient-poor, you may add a light second feeding in midsummer to encourage dense foliage and vibrant green color. Avoid fertilizing after midsummer so new shoots can harden off before cold weather. Regular soil testing every few years can help fine-tune your fertilization schedule for optimal health and color.

How do I Prune Dwarf Japanese Cedar Shrubs?
Routine pruning isn’t necessary because ‘Globosa Nana’ naturally maintains a neat, rounded shape without shearing. In late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, simply remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to keep the shrub healthy and allow light and air to reach the interior. If you’d like to encourage a denser look or gently refine its outline, use clean, sharp hand pruners for light shaping after the first flush of growth in late spring. Because this cultivar grows slowly and evenly, even occasional light pruning will keep it looking like a perfectly sculpted green globe year after year.