Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans'
plume cryptomeria
Japan and China (species); cultivar of garden origin
Overview
Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans' is the plume cryptomeria, an evergreen conifer growing 240–360 inches (600–900 cm / 20–30 feet) tall and 180–240 inches (450–600 cm / 15–20 feet) wide. Soft feathery blue-green juvenile foliage that transitions to bronze-purple to plum-red in winter — the seasonal color change is the cultivar feature. 'Elegans' retains permanently juvenile (awl-shaped) foliage — the species type transitions from juvenile awl-shaped needles to adult scale-like foliage as it matures, but 'Elegans' never makes this transition. The soft feathery texture is distinct from the coarser adult-foliage forms of C. japonica. In the cypress family (Cupressaceae spp.). The species C. japonica (Japanese cedar, sugi) is the national tree of Japan and is native to mountain forests of Japan and China. The winter color transition is triggered by cold temperatures and UV exposure — the foliage returns to blue-green in spring as temperatures warm. The billowing soft texture can become top-heavy with age, and older specimens may lean or topple in wet snow, ice, or strong wind — staking or thinning may be needed. Acidic to slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0–6.5). Consistent moisture — intolerant of drought. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Part sun to full sun. Zones 6–9. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
The species C. japonica is native to mountain forests of Japan and China. 'Elegans' is a cultivar selected for permanently retained juvenile foliage.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen in zones 6–9. The seasonal blue-green to bronze-purple color change is the cultivar feature. The soft feathery texture. May need staking when top-heavy. Consistent moisture required. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 30'
Width/Spread15' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years
Bloom Information
Not applicable — evergreen conifer. Small round cones 0.5–0.75 inch (12–18 mm). The seasonal blue-green to bronze-purple foliage color transition is the primary feature.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Blue-green in spring and summer; turns bronze-purple to plum-red in winter; soft feathery juvenile foliage retained permanently (does not transition to adult scale-like foliage)Growing 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
Part sun to full sun. Acidic soil pH 5.0–6.5. Consistent moisture — intolerant of drought. The soft texture becomes top-heavy with age — staking may be needed. Winter bronze-purple color returns to blue-green in spring. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 6–9.Pruning
Thin inner branches to reduce weight if the plant becomes top-heavy. Stake leaning specimens. Tolerates light shaping. Do not shear — the soft feathery texture is the feature.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring