Cryptomeria japonica Yokohama

Cryptomeria japonica 'Yokohama' is a dwarf variety of Japanese Cedar that stands out for its dense, slightly crinkled, foliage, in a vibrant green that becomes lively in summer with beautiful light green shoots and turns bronze-violet in winter. Growing very slowly, this small conifer initially forms a globular habit, eventually developing into a dense, somewhat irregular cone, reminiscent of the form of some bonsai trees. Low maintenance and hardy, it allows for unexpected and colourful combinations in rock gardens and small gardens. It can be grown in full sun, in moist but well-drained ordinary soil, both in the ground and in pots.

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.

'Yokohama' will slowly reach 60cm (24in) in height at 10 years old, and hardly more than 1.1m (4ft) in height with a spread of 80 to 90cm (32 to 35in) after many more years. Its habit is compact and stout, with a rounded cone shape. Its dense foliage consists of numerous short branches that slightly droop at their tips. This small tree has a brown-red bark that adds to its charm. Its particularly dense mature foliage is composed of short, recurved needles in a beautiful vibrant green. The new summer shoots are a very bright light green. Cold weather colours the needles in bronze and violet tones. This variety is hardy down to -20°C (-4°F).

Cryptomeria japonica 'Yokohama' is a naturally compact and remarkably dense conifer that deserves to be planted more in gardens, even small ones. With its ease of cultivation, its personality, and its reduced size, it is a perfect plant for rock gardens, flower beds, and terraces. Its changing colours allow for unexpected and colourful combinations. This plant pairs well with large stones, geometric lines, and masonry structures. It can be combined with other shrubs for rock gardens (Abelia prostrata, Berberis darwinii or B. thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana', heathers), and dwarf conifers with a globular, columnar, or trailing habit (Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'), in different colours. The architectural qualities of conifers naturally impose themselves 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.