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About this plant
What makes this plant special
Very short side shoots keep 'Green Pearl' a regular ball of no more than 50 cm in any direction. Its soft, prickle-free young growth opens in a vivid, almost lime-like green, darkens in summer and turns bronze when winter cold arrives. Give it a sunny spot out of harsh winds.
Japanese cedar Cryptomeria
Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria) is an evergreen conifer from Japan and China and the only species in its genus. In its homeland it is a major forest tree. In gardens it is valued for its soft, spirally arranged needles and for the many compact and dwarf forms, several of which take on bronze tones in winter.
Cryptomeria japonica
As a full-grown tree, Japanese cedar forms a narrow pyramid on a straight trunk with soft, reddish-brown bark that peels in long strips. In our climate it reaches around 20 m. Garden selections range from slow-growing dwarf balls to compact cones, with green foliage that in many forms turns bronze or copper in winter.
Location and soil
Sun or partial shade in a sheltered position, out of cold winter wind. Thrives in a fertile, moist, well-drained soil, preferably slightly acidic; tolerates ordinary garden soil that does not dry out. Older plants are fully hardy, young ones can suffer in severe frost, and heavy snow may break branches.
Pruning and care
Pruning is not needed; dwarf and globe forms keep their shape by themselves. Water young plants during dry summers and mulch the root zone. Shake off heavy snow from compact forms. The bronze winter colour is a normal reaction to cold and the foliage turns green again in spring.
Use in the garden
Tall forms are used as a specimen or in a loose evergreen screen. Dwarf, globe and cone-shaped forms are ideal for rock gardens, gravel beds, borders with other conifers and heathers, modern gardens and pots on a terrace, and they lend themselves well to bonsai.
Plant characteristics
Botanical
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Cryptomeria |
| Species | japonica |
| Cultivar | 'Green Pearl' |
Foliage
| Evergreen | yes |
| Colour (foliage) | green |
Growth habit
| Height | 50 cm |
Location
| Winter hardiness | -20 °C |