Cryptomeria japonica Twinkle Toes

Cryptomeria japonica 'Twinkle Toes' is a dwarf variety of evergreen Japanese cedar. It produces bright yellow young shoots with small, thin and light feather-like leaves that appear as little sparks against a backdrop of mature green foliage. They then fade to a light green in summer before becoming medium green. It forms a somewhat irregular conical pyramid with dense branches. Its modest size and slow growth make it a suitable choice for cultivation in pots or small rockeries. Perfectly hardy, it requires well-drained soil that is not too dry or too wet, and a sheltered but sunny location.

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.

'Twinkle Toes' is an American horticultural variety obtained from the Iseli nurseries through a mutation of a golden branch discovered on a Cryptomeria japonica 'Tansu'. It has slow growth and a compact, pyramidal to conical and somewhat irregular habit. The shrub or small tree will only reach 1m (3ft) in height and 80cm (32in) in width after many years. Its wood is reddish-brown in colour and its growth is dense. Its foliage is very fine, ranging from a beautiful light green to a darker shade from March to October, covering numerous slightly trailing branches. The spring shoots are a bright lemon-yellow, gradually darkening to light green and then medium green. This variety is hardy down to -15°C (5°F), but it requires a sheltered position away from cold and dry winds, as well as exposure away from scorching sunlight.

Cryptomeria japonica 'Twinkle Toes' can be planted in gardens with a climate that is not too harsh or dry. It will bring life to partially shaded areas in a small garden or on a terrace in a pot. This plant goes well with large stones, geometric lines, and masonry structures. It can be paired with other dwarf conifers with a globular, columnar, or creeping habit (e.g. Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip') in different colours, or planted alone 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.

With their reassuring permanence, these plants durably structure a bed. They can mark pathways, and border terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. The key is to play with volumes and colours

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.