Cryptomeria japonica Sekkan-Sugi

Cryptomeria japonica 'Sekkan-Sugi' is a variety of Japanese Cedar rare in cultivation, graceful, unique and very bright. This conifer has semi-drooping branches with light green foliage adorned with light yellow young shoots that turn cream to almost white in winter. The overall vision of this medium-sized variety is that of a delicately variegated bush, with a feathery appearance, very pleasing to the eye and touch, and magnificent in partially shaded areas of the garden. It grows in a sunny position, in well-drained and light soil, not too dry to moist.

Cryptomeria japonica is a very large conifer of the Cupressaceae family native to Japan. In its country of origin, this tree is commonly planted around religious temples. It is a species of light and mild oceanic climate, both moist all year round and mild in winter. In Asia, this forest tree with sequoia-like appearance can reach up to 60 m (197 ft) in height, with a trunk diameter of 4 m (13.1 ft), covered with a reddish-brown bark that peels off in vertical strips. The evergreen foliage of this conifer is composed of curved needles spirally arranged around 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.

'Sekkan-Sugi', obtained in 1930, shows moderate growth and a very flexible bushy habit. The shrub or small tree will eventually reach 6 m to 7 m (20 ft to 23 ft) in height and 3 m to 4 m (9.8 ft to 13.1 ft) in width after many years. Its wood is reddish-brown and its foliage is dense. Its non-prickly foliage is very fine and ranges from light green to darker green from March to October. The spring shoots are light golden yellow, then they lighten, becoming almost white in winter. This variety is hardy down to -15° C (-5° F), but it requires shelter from cold and dry winds as well as from scorching sun.

Cryptomeria japonica 'Sekkan-Sugi' definitely deserves to be better known and planted in gardens, in climates that are not too harsh or too dry. It is a perfect plant to enhance partially shaded areas of the garden. This plant goes well with large stones, geometric lines, and masonry works. It can be grown alongside other dwarf conifers with prostrate habit (Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'), globose habit (Picea abies 'Little Gem'), or columnar habit (Juniperus communis 'Sentinel'), and conifers with different colours. Alternatively, plant in isolation, to mark the curve of a path or a shaded staircase, or the angle of a porch. The visual qualities of conifers naturally suit the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures to the delicacy of flowers.

They also add permanence to the structure of a flowerbed, and are a perfect alternative to trimmed boxwood or holly when used to mark pathways or border terraces. The key is to play with volumes and colours.

Uses/Properties:

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