Cryptomeria Japonica ‘Elegans viridis’ (Japanese Cedar)

It is a peculiarity of this evergreen tree that it retains its juvenile foliage. It has red bark, softly drooping branches, is broadly conical, should never need pruning and can top 10 metres over 40 years. Wow!

Grow this hardy tree in sun to partial shade but best in a sheltered garden. It is happy in any type of soil that is deep and moist but well drained.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.