RedCrocus Cryptomeria japonica 'Vilmoriniana' Dwarf Japanese Cedar – Evergreen Conifer, Container Friendly, Deer Resistant, Full Sun to Part Shade, Live Outdoor Plant 1 Gallon Nursery Pot

RedCrocus Cryptomeria japonica 'Vilmoriniana' Dwarf Japanese Cedar – Evergreen Conifer, Container Friendly, Deer Resistant, Full Sun to Part Shade, Live Outdoor Plant 1 Gallon Nursery Pot

Regular price $90.00 USD
Regular price $117.00 USD Sale price $90.00 USD
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SKU:berb6c5-redcrocus

Pot Size

Cryptomeria Jap. Vilmoriniana

Evergreen Conifer • Dwarf Selection

Compact, slow-growing Japanese cedar with dense, finely textured foliage that bronzes attractively in winter.

Description

Cryptomeria Jap. Vilmoriniana is a refined dwarf selection of Japanese cedar prized for its naturally dense, bun‑to‑broadly conical habit and soft, awl‑like juvenile foliage. The needles emerge medium to blue‑green through the growing season and often take on a warm bronze tone in winter, adding seasonal interest without losing structure. Its slow, steady growth and tight internodes make it an excellent choice for small gardens, rockeries, and containers where year‑round texture and form are desired. Best performance occurs in evenly moist, well‑drained, slightly acidic soils with protection from harsh, desiccating winter winds.

Suggested Uses

Small Gardens & Courtyards Rock & Alpine Gardens Foundation & Front Borders Mixed Dwarf Conifer Beds Containers & Patio Planters Japanese/Zen‑inspired Designs Year‑round Evergreen Structure Low‑Maintenance Focal Point

Plant Details

  • Botanical name iconBotanical NameCryptomeria Jap. Vilmoriniana
  • Common name iconCommon NameCryptomeria Jap. Vilmoriniana
  • Size & growth iconSize & GrowthDwarf; 2–4 ft tall × 2–3 ft wide in ~10 years; may reach 4–6 ft over time; naturally dense globose to broadly conical form.
  • Hardiness zones iconHardiness ZonesUSDA 5–9 (best in 6–8); shelter from drying winter winds in colder sites.
  • Foliage type iconFoliage TypeEvergreen conifer; soft awl‑like juvenile needles, medium to blue‑green; bronzes in winter.
  • Bloom time iconBloom TimeNon‑flowering; inconspicuous pollen cones late winter to spring.
  • Growth rate iconGrowth RateSlow (approximately 2–4 inches per year).
  • Light requirements iconLight RequirementsFull sun to light shade; provide afternoon shade in hot summer regions.
  • Attracts pollinators iconAttracts PollinatorsLow—wind‑pollinated; not a significant nectar source.
  • Indoor friendly iconIndoor FriendlyNot recommended; best grown outdoors year‑round.
  • Container friendly iconContainer FriendlyExcellent—compact habit suits long‑term container culture.
  • Deer resistant iconDeer ResistantGenerally resistant; browsing is uncommon but possible if hungry.
  • Pet warning iconPet WarningNon‑toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion of needles may cause mild GI upset.
  • Fragrant iconFragrantFoliage mildly resinous when crushed; not notably fragrant in landscape.
  • Cut flower iconCut FlowerNot a cut flower; sprigs can be used in small winter arrangements and crafts.
  • Grows well with iconGrows Well WithGrows Well With Japanese maples, azaleas/rhododendrons, pieris, heaths & heathers, dwarf conifers, hakone grass, hosta (in part shade).

Note: Attributes reflect typical performance for this cultivar of Cryptomeria japonica across suitable climates; local conditions may influence growth and coloration.

Care Tips

  • Planting instructions iconPlanting InstructionsPlant in spring or early fall in a site sheltered from harsh winter winds. Loosen soil 2–3× the width of the root ball. Set at original depth, backfill with native soil (add compost if soil is poor), water deeply, and mulch 2–3 in, keeping mulch 2–3 in from the trunk.
  • Soil moisture iconSoil MoistureKeep evenly moist—especially for the first 2–3 years. Do not allow to dry out completely, and avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil type iconSoil TypeWell‑drained, humus‑rich, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5). Tolerates sandy loam to loam; amend heavy clay and avoid strongly alkaline soils.
  • Humidity iconHumidityAverage garden humidity is fine; protect from drying winter winds in cold, exposed sites to reduce desiccation and bronzing.
  • Pruning instructions iconPruning InstructionsMinimal pruning needed. Light tip‑pinching after spring flush maintains shape. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing twigs anytime. Avoid cutting back into old, leafless wood.
  • Winter care iconWinter CareMulch in late fall and water well before the ground freezes. In Zones 5–6, consider a burlap windbreak. Some winter bronzing is normal and not harmful.
  • Planting depth iconPlanting DepthSet the root flare at or slightly above the surrounding soil; top of the root ball level with grade. Do not bury the trunk or smother with mulch.
  • Fertilization iconFertilizationFeed lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow‑release, acid‑forming fertilizer. Avoid heavy or frequent high‑nitrogen applications.
  • Special care iconSpecial CareEnsure sharp drainage; provide consistent moisture in heat (containers may need watering 1–2×/week). Rotate container plants periodically for even symmetry and repot every 3–4 years with fresh acidic mix.
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