Cryptomeria japonica Globosa Nana

The Cryptomeria japonica Globosa Nana is an adorable dwarf form of the Japanese Cedar. Growing very slowly, this small conifer that does not exceed 1 m (3 ft 4 in) in height forms a very dense, flattened cone at the top, and is adorned with dark green needle-like foliage that takes on beautiful bronze tones in cold weather. Low maintenance and hardy, it allows for unexpected combinations in rock and alpine gardens. It grows in full sun, in well-drained, ordinary, not too dry, cool soil.

The Cryptomeria japonica is a very large conifer from the taxodiaceae family native to Japan. In its country of origin, this tree is commonly planted around religious temples. It is a species that thrives in mild oceanic climates that are both moist throughout the year and mild in winter. In Asia, this forest tree with sequoia-like appearance can reach up to 60 m (196 ft 11 in) in height, with a trunk of 4 m (13 ft 1 in) in diameter covered with a red-brown bark that peels off in vertical strips. In our latitudes, it can still reach 30 to 40 m (98 ft 5 in to 131 ft 2 in) in height. The evergreen foliage in winter comprises spirally arranged needles on the twigs. The Japanese Cedar has given rise to many cultivars selected for their small size, the appearance of their foliage, their resistance to cold, and their better tolerance of European soils and average climates.

As its name suggests, the 'Globosa Nana' variety is a dwarf cryptomeria with a spherical habit. Growing very slowly, it will reach 1 m (3 ft 4 in) in height and 1.50m (4 ft 11 in) in width at the age of 10, and 2m (6 ft 7 in) in all directions after many years. Its habit is broadly conical, flattened at the top, composed of dense vegetation. Its foliage is also very dense, particularly fine, covering numerous thin and regular branches covered with dark green, curved needles arranged in a spiral. It turns beautiful shades of bronze, brown, red, and copper in autumn and winter. This variety is hardy up to -15°C (5 °F).

The Cryptomeria japonica Globosa Nana deserves to be planted more often in gardens, even the smallest ones. With its ease of cultivation, its personality, and its compact size, it is a perfect plant for rock gardens, borders, and terraces. This small conifer blends well with large stones, geometric lines, and masonry structures. It can be combined with other shrubs for rock gardens (Abelia prostrata, Berberis darwinii or thunbergii atropurpurea Nana, heathers), prostrate (Juniperus horizontalis Blue Chip), globular, or columnar dwarf conifers of different colors. The graphic qualities of conifers also stand out in the design of a contemporary garden. These plants, with their reassuring permanence, provide long-lasting structure to a flower bed, mark pathways, and line terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood. The key is to play with volumes and colors.