Cryptomeria japonica Elegans Viridis

Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Viridis' is a variety of Japanese Cedar whose foliage maintains a beautiful green colour throughout the year, even in winter, without the autumn browning that characterises the classic Elegans variety. This medium-sized conifer has a widely conical and somewhat irregular habit, with semi-trailing branches covered in soft and gentle foliage, giving it a feathery appearance. Superb in large planting schemes, as a standalone specimen, or to create a green screen, this reliable variety will easily thrive in any well-drained garden soil without excessive limestone.

Cryptomeria japonica is a large conifer from the Cupressaceae (formerly Taxodiaceae) family, native to Japan. In its country of origin, this tree is commonly planted around religious temples. It thrives in a mild oceanic climate, both humid all year round and mild in winter. In Asia, this forest tree with a sequoia-like appearance can reach heights of up to 60m (197ft, with a trunk diameter of 4m (13ft) covered in a red-brown bark that peels off in vertical strips. In our latitudes, it still reaches heights of 30 to 40m (99ft to 131ft). The evergreen foliage of this conifer is composed of spirally arranged needles on the branchlets. Japanese Cedar has given rise to numerous cultivars selected for their small size, foliage appearance, cold resistance, and better tolerance to our soils and average climates.

The 'Elegans Viridis' variety was discovered in cultivation as early as 1923. It is a juvenile form of Cryptomeria japonica that maintains moderate dimensions and its beautiful feathery foliage throughout its existence. This conifer has a flexible, bushy habit and dense vegetation. The shrub or small tree, which grows rather quickly, will eventually reach a height of 6 to 7m (20 to 23ft) with a spread of 3m (10ft) after many years. Its wood is reddish-brown in colour. Its non-prickly foliage is a beautiful soft green that becomes more intense from summer to winter, covering numerous slightly trailing branches. This variety is hardy down to -15°C (5°F), but it requires a sheltered position from cold and dry winds, as well as a non-scorching exposure.

Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Viridis' can be planted in gardens with a climate that is not too harsh or dry. It is a perfect plant to enhance partially shaded areas of the garden, in the background of flower beds. This plant pairs well with large stones, geometric lines, and masonry structures. It can be planted alongside other dwarf conifers with a globular, columnar, or creeping habit (e.g. Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip') in different colours, or planted as a standalone specimen to mark the curve of a path or a shaded staircase. The architectural qualities of conifers naturally emerge in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over the fleeting beauty of flowers.

Uses/Properties:

Japanese Cedar wood is pleasantly fragrant, with a beautiful pink-red colour. It is lightweight yet durable and rot-resistant. It is widely used in Japan for all types of construction, both outdoors and indoors.