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Cryptomeria Black Dragon
Cryptomeria japonica 'Black dragon'
Cryptomeria Black Dragon is a slow-growing conifer known for its dense, dark green foliage and naturally compact, upright form, adding year-round visual interest to any landscape. Ideal for use as a focal point, in foundation plantings, or as part of a mixed border, this elegant evergreen provides striking contrast and bold texture to garden designs.
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Cryptomeria Black Dragon Trees for Sale Online
Cryptomeria Black Dragon is a striking, slow-growing evergreen conifer known for its dark green, almost black foliage and dense, upright form. This unique Japanese cedar cultivar is perfect for adding year-round visual interest and texture to gardens of all sizes. With its rich, dark-green needles and compact, conical shape, Cryptomeria Black Dragon is an excellent choice for a focal point in a mixed border, foundation planting, or even as a specimen in a rock garden. Over time, it can grow to 8 to 10 feet, with a width of 6 feet, creating a bold statement in any landscape.
Ideal for USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9, Cryptomeria Black Dragon thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils. This hardy conifer is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning due to its naturally tidy and symmetrical shape. The dark, textured foliage contrasts beautifully when paired with lighter-colored plants, flowering perennials, or even conifers, adding depth and drama to your garden design. Its versatility allows it to be used in a variety of landscape settings, whether you’re creating a traditional Japanese garden, an evergreen privacy screen, or simply adding an elegant vertical accent to your space.
Cryptomeria Black Dragon is also resistant to deer and most common pests, making it a reliable and resilient addition to your landscape. To help establish this conifer, water regularly during the first growing season and add a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Once mature, Black Dragon is quite drought-tolerant, thriving with minimal watering and care. Its distinctive, dark foliage and compact habit make it an attractive option for both formal and informal gardens, providing year-round beauty and a unique visual impact that continues to improve with age.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 8 to 10 feet |
| Mature Width: | 4 to 6 feet |
| Classification: | evergreen tree |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun to Part Sun |
| Habit: | Dwarf, Densely branched, pyramidal |
| Foliage: | Dark Green |
| 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 Black Dragon
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Cryptomeria Black Dragon for years to come!
How Do I Plant a Cryptomeria Black Dragon?
Planting a Cryptomeria Black Dragon begins with selecting the right location to ensure healthy growth and optimal visual impact. Choose a site that provides full sun to partial shade and has well-drained, slightly acidic soil, as this will allow the tree to thrive. Start by digging a hole that is twice as wide and slightly deeper than the root ball of your Cryptomeria Black Dragon. Place the tree in the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above ground level to avoid settling. Backfill with a mixture of native soil and organic compost, gently firming the soil around the root ball to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to help establish strong roots, and add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk to prevent rot and retain soil moisture. Cryptomeria Black Dragon should be spaced adequately if planted as part of a landscape design. If planting multiple trees, ensure they are spaced about 5 to 6 feet apart to allow for their mature width, promoting good airflow and reducing competition for nutrients. During the first growing season, water the tree deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, to encourage root establishment. Once established, Cryptomeria Black Dragon will become more drought-tolerant, but it is important to maintain consistent moisture during hot, dry periods. Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to promote lush growth and rich, dark-green foliage. By providing the right planting conditions and early care, you can ensure that your Cryptomeria Black Dragon grows into a striking and healthy addition to your garden.
How Do I Water a Cryptomeria Black Dragon?
Watering a Cryptomeria Black Dragon correctly is essential for ensuring its healthy growth and vibrant, dark green foliage. During the first growing season, water deeply and consistently, ideally once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and soil conditions. Deep watering helps establish a robust root system, promoting drought tolerance in the long run. Make sure to water at the base of the tree, saturating the root zone without causing standing water. It's essential to maintain even soil moisture during this early stage, but be careful not to overwater, as Cryptomeria Black Dragon prefers well-drained soils and can be susceptible to root rot if left in overly saturated soil. Once established, Cryptomeria Black Dragon becomes more drought-tolerant but will still benefit from occasional deep watering during extended dry spells, particularly in the heat of summer. The best way to determine if your tree needs water is by checking the soil moisture—if the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry, it's time to water. Mulching around the base of the tree will help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce evaporation, making it easier to maintain consistent hydration. Avoid frequent shallow watering, as this can encourage surface roots that are more vulnerable to drought. Instead, opt for deep watering that reaches the entire root zone to support the health and lush, dark foliage that makes Cryptomeria Black Dragon a stunning addition to your landscape.
How Do I Fertilize a Cryptomeria Black Dragon?
Fertilizing a Cryptomeria Black Dragon is an important part of promoting healthy growth and maintaining its rich, dark green foliage. The best time to fertilize is in early spring, just as new growth begins, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer specifically designed for evergreen trees, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-6-6 formulation. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the tree, keeping it at least 6 inches away from the trunk to avoid root burn. Water the area thoroughly after applying the fertilizer to help distribute the nutrients into the soil and ensure they reach the tree’s roots effectively. A slow-release fertilizer will provide the essential nutrients throughout the growing season, promoting dense, lush foliage. In addition to spring fertilization, Cryptomeria Black Dragon benefits from organic soil enrichment, such as applying compost or aged manure in the spring to improve soil fertility. Avoid fertilizing late in the growing season, as this can encourage new growth that may not have time to harden before winter, making it more susceptible to damage. If the tree is growing in nutrient-poor soil, you may consider a light feeding in early summer to give it an additional boost. Adding a layer of organic mulch around the tree not only helps conserve moisture but also slowly breaks down and enriches the soil with nutrients, providing ongoing support for healthy growth. With proper fertilization, Cryptomeria Black Dragon will thrive, offering year-round beauty and bold, dark-green texture to your garden.
How Do I Prune a Cryptomeria Black Dragon?
Pruning a Cryptomeria Black Dragon is a simple process that helps maintain its naturally compact, conical shape and promotes healthy growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, as this reduces stress on the tree. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, cutting them back to healthy wood to improve the overall appearance and health of the tree. Since Cryptomeria Black Dragon has a naturally dense growth habit, it generally requires minimal pruning to maintain its form. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make precise cuts, ensuring not to prune too deeply into old wood, as new growth may not regenerate from these areas. When shaping Cryptomeria Black Dragon, focus on trimming back any wayward or overly long branches to maintain the tree’s tidy and elegant appearance. If the tree is part of a formal garden setting, light pruning can be used to enhance its symmetry, but avoid over-pruning, as the beauty of Cryptomeria Black Dragon lies in its natural structure. Always prune with caution, taking care not to remove too much foliage, which could affect the tree's ability to photosynthesize effectively. Mulching around the base of the tree after pruning helps retain soil moisture and supports healthy regrowth. By practicing proper pruning techniques, you will ensure that your Cryptomeria Black Dragon remains a stunning, low-maintenance feature in your landscape year after year.
