Cryptomeria japonica Green Pearl

The Cryptomeria japonica 'Green Pearl' is a dwarf Japanese Cedar cultivar that forms a perfect ball shape of 50 cm (19.7 in) in all directions, ideal for small-scale gardens and potted cultivation. Although this conifer has the same soft and light evergreen foliage as other cultivars, it distinguishes itself with its very short branches and its changing colours throughout the year. Its non-prickly young shoots start off a tender green shade before darkening to a deep green and taking on a bronze hue with the arrival of winter. Provide it with a sunny location sheltered from cold winds in a light, well-drained, neutral to acidic soil, preferably moist.

The Cryptomeria japonica is a very large conifer of 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, both humid year-round and mild in winter. In Asia, this forest tree resembling a sequoia can reach heights of up to 60 m (196 ft 11 in), with a trunk diameter of 4 m (13 ft 1 in) covered in vertical strips of reddish-brown bark that peels off. In our latitudes, it still reaches a height of 30 to 40 m (98 ft 5 in to 131 ft 2 in). The evergreen foliage of this conifer consists of curved needles arranged spirally around the branchlets. The 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 'Green Pearl' variety shows very restricted growth and a dense, globular habit. The shrub or small tree will only reach 50 cm (19.7 in) in all directions after many years. Its wood is reddish-brown in colour and its vegetation is dense. Its foliage, linear but not prickly, covers multiple short and slightly trailing branches. The spring growth is a tender green, turning dark green in summer and taking on a bronze hue in winter. This variety is hardy down to -15°C, but requires a sheltered location away from cold, dry winds and a position away from scorching sunlight.

The Cryptomeria japonica 'Green Pearl' undoubtedly deserves to be better known and planted in gardens not too harsh or too dry climates. With its  distinctive personality, discreet elegance, and moderate growth, it is a perfect plant to frame a balcony or terrace in a pot, providing them with colourful decoration throughout the seasons. This plant pairs well with large rocks, geometric lines, and masonry structures. It can be combined with other dwarf conifers with a prostrate (Juniperus horizontalis Blue Chip), spherical, or columnar habit, of different colours, or planted alone to mark the curve of a path or a shaded staircase. The strong visual qualities of conifers naturally stand out in the design of contemporary gardens which emphasise the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over the kaleidoscope of flowers.

These plants with reassuring permanence provide lasting structure to beds, define gardens, border terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. The key is to play with volumes and colours.