Golden Japanese Cedar
he golden colour of Cryptomeria japonica ‘Sekkan Sugi’ is what makes the Japanese Cedar a stand out in the garden.
In spring to summer pale green foliage is overshadowed by the creamy new growth and this makes it a standout feature tree in the garden.
The colour of this cultivar of the “Japanese Cedar” sets it apart from all the others.
The light green foliage is overshadowed in summer when the entire plant is covered with cream coloured new growth.
In cold winter the foliage may change to a pinkish orange tone.
It forms an upright, pyramidal tree and is an interesting feature in any garden.
It should grow to at least 3m (9ft) in the first 10 years, growth rate slows as the plant ages.
Garden Uses
The growth rate of the evergreen tree is slow, reaching around 2 – 3 metres over 10 years. Use this as a contrast plant against plants with a deeper green foliage, or a feature in the garden border.
With a natural upright conical habit it can also be used as a screening plant.
If you are attempting to grow this plant in a container, you need to use a large container so that the soil remains cool and moist. You will get a few years of good growth in a container, however eventually it will will need to be grown in the ground.
If you wish to grow conifers in containers look for truely dwarf varieties such as Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Ellwood’s Nymph’ or Cryptomeria japonica ‘Nana’ could be more suitable.
Care and Growing Notes
This is plant that grows well in full sun to part shade, it does require a well drained soil and during dry summer periods will require some extra water especially when young.
- Choose a slightly acidic soil.
- Protect from hot drying winds.
- Water deeply during dry summers or dry spring seasons.
- A good deep watering once every 14 days should be sufficient in good soil.
Did you know?
Cryptomeria are one of the few conifer species what can be rejuvenated my coppicing, (cutting back to ground level).
