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Coniferous Trees
Cryptomeria japonica 'Sekkan Sugi'
Sekkan-Sugi cryptomeria
Cupressaceae
Japan and central-southern China (cultivar)
At a Glance
TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height20–30 feet (6–9 m)
Width10–15 feet (3–4.5 m)
Maturity20 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
6 - 9Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Deer Resistant
Maintenancelow
Overview
Cryptomeria japonica 'Sekkan Sugi' is a medium to large, evergreen coniferous tree in the family Cupressaceae, a cultivar of Japanese cedar with distinctive creamy-yellow to pale gold new growth at the branch tips. 'Sekkan Sugi' is a Japanese name meaning 'pale gold sugi.' Trees grow 20–30 feet (6–9 m) tall and 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m) wide at a moderate rate, developing a broadly conical to narrowly pyramidal crown. The defining ornamental character is the CREAMY-YELLOW TO PALE GOLD NEW GROWTH produced at branch tips throughout the growing season — most vivid in spring through summer, contrasting against the darker green interior foliage. The awl-shaped, incurved needles 0.25–0.5 inch (6–12 mm) spirally arranged on the stem are consistent with the species. Foliage bronzes in cold winters. Reddish-brown fibrous bark exfoliates in vertical strips. Small globular cones 0.5–1 inch (12–25 mm) with hooked scales. Non-toxic.
Native Range
Cryptomeria japonica 'Sekkan Sugi' is a cultivar of Cryptomeria japonica, native to mountain forests of Japan and central-southern China. The pale gold new growth form was selected and named in Japan.Suggested Uses
Cryptomeria japonica 'Sekkan Sugi' is planted as a specimen or accent conifer in Pacific Northwest gardens and parks where pale gold new growth provides year-round color interest. The 20–30 foot (6–9 m) mature height suits medium to large garden settings. Commonly used as a focal point in mixed conifer plantings alongside dark-green species. Educational value: the mechanism of chlorophyll-diluted new growth in certain Cryptomeria cultivars; comparison with uniformly green forms of the species.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 30'
Width/Spread10' - 15'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Colors
Flower Colors
brown
Foliage Colors
gold
yellow
green
Fall Foliage Colors
no change
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~3 weeksJ
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
inconspicuous; globular brown cones 0.5–1 inchFoliage Description
creamy-yellow to pale gold new growth at tips; mid to dark green interior; bronzes in cold wintersGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Medium
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
15–20 years
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant Cryptomeria japonica 'Sekkan Sugi' in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.0–7.0. Pale gold tip color is most vivid in full sun — partial shade reduces gold intensity. Consistent moisture during the first two to three growing seasons. Tolerates brief drought once established but foliage may bronze in hot, dry conditions. Performs well in Pacific Northwest maritime climate. Mulch the root zone to maintain soil moisture.Pruning
No pruning is required to maintain the conical form. Lower branches may be removed to expose the ornamental reddish-brown exfoliating bark. Do not shear — shearing destroys the contrast between gold tips and dark interior foliage. Remove dead branches in late spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring