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‘Sekkan-sugi’ Japanese cedar

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Sekkan-sugi’

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This conical evergreen offers year-round interest and a graceful shape, with branches that are more pendent than the species. Young foliage emerges a pale shade of yellow in a herringbone pattern in the spring and is a striking contrast to the deeper green of the older needles by summer. Crinkled brown cones dangle daintily on the ends of the branches in autumn, followed by new developing cones gleaming like little lanterns through the winter.

CareWith its open branch structure, this cedar is easily kept short and bushy with regular pruning. Grow in deep, slightly acidic soil in a sunny location. Protect from high winds. Water regularly in spring and give it a deep soaking once a week in the summer months. Cryptomerias will coppice successfully.

PropagationRoot ripewood cuttings in late summer or early autumn.

ProblemsNeedle necrosis, branch dieback, and root rot may occur on young plants. Nematodes can cause stunting.

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  • Genus : Cryptomeria
  • Plant Width : 15 to 30 feet
  • Plant Height : 30 feet or more
  • Zones : 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Characteristics : Showy Seed Heads
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
  • Plant Type : Trees

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