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Cryptomeria japonica 'Black Dragon'
Black Dragon Japanese Cedar
Species native to Japan and parts of China; cultivar of garden origin selected in Japan for exceptionally dark foliage
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Overview
Cryptomeria japonica 'Black Dragon' is a compact upright pyramidal coniferous evergreen shrub growing 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) tall and 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) wide. Very dark green to near-black-green spirally arranged awl-shaped needles are densely set on the branchlets, and inconspicuous brown cones develop in February-March. The genus name Cryptomeria means hidden parts, referring to the seeds hidden in the cone scales; japonica means of Japan. The species (known as sugi) is the Japanese national tree and reaches 130 feet (40 m) in the wild, while 'Black Dragon' is a compact cultivar selected in Japan for the deepest foliage color in the species. The near-black foliage is the primary ornamental feature and gives high contrast against silver, blue, and gold conifers in mixed-color conifer collections. Growth rate is slow, reaching mature dimensions in 10-15 years. Acidic moist well-drained soil is required, and chlorosis develops in alkaline conditions. Cryptomeria leaf blight can appear in hot humid conditions. The subtle winter bronze-purple tinge develops in cold and reverses to full dark green in spring as part of the normal seasonal cycle, not a sign of disease. Non-toxic.
Native Range
Species C. japonica is native to Japan and parts of China. Cultivar 'Black Dragon' is of garden origin, selected in Japan.Suggested Uses
Grown as a dark-foliaged compact conifer accent in mixed conifer beds, foundation plantings, rock gardens, and in containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L), spaced 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) apart. Near-black foliage gives color contrast against silver, blue, and gold conifers. Slow-growing. Acidic soil required. Non-toxic. Hardy in zones 6-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years
Bloom Information
Late winter to spring (February-March). Inconspicuous brown coniferous cones (not flowers). 2 weeks. Wind-pollinated. Not ornamentally significant.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
very dark green to near-black-green; spirally arranged awl-shaped (subulate) needles densely set on the branchlets; new spring growth emerges lighter green and darkens to near-black with maturity; a subtle bronze-purple winter tinge develops in cold winters and reverses to dark green in springGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Site in part sun to full sun (4-8 hours direct sun) in moist well-drained acidic soil with a pH of 5.0-6.5. Chlorosis develops in alkaline soils. Slow-growing (10-15 years to mature size). Cryptomeria leaf blight can appear in hot humid conditions. The winter bronze-purple tinge is part of the normal seasonal cycle. Minimal pruning is needed. Non-toxic. Hardy in zones 6-9.Pruning
Minimal pruning is needed (May if shaping is wanted). The natural compact pyramidal form requires no shaping. Remove any dead or damaged branches as they appear.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons