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Cryptomeria japonica 'Pygmaea'
Dwarf Japanese Cedar
Japan and central-southern China (cultivar)
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Overview
Cryptomeria japonica 'Pygmaea' is a dwarf, slow-growing, evergreen coniferous shrub in the family Cupressaceae, a compact cultivar of Japanese cedar. 'Pygmaea' means 'dwarf.' Plants grow at approximately 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) per year, reaching 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m) tall and 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) wide after many decades. The form is broadly pyramidal to rounded and densely branched. The foliage consists of AWL-SHAPED, INCURVED NEEDLES 0.25–0.5 inch (6–12 mm) spirally arranged around the stem and pointing forward — the characteristic Cryptomeria needle form in miniature. Foliage is bright green, often developing slight bronzy tones in cold winters, recovering to green in spring. Reddish-brown fibrous exfoliating bark develops on older stems. Small globular cones 0.5–1 inch (12–25 mm) may be produced on older plants. Non-toxic.
Native Range
Cryptomeria japonica 'Pygmaea' is a cultivar of Cryptomeria japonica, native to mountain forests of Japan and central-southern China. The dwarf form was selected in cultivation.Suggested Uses
Cryptomeria japonica 'Pygmaea' is planted in Pacific Northwest rock gardens, mixed dwarf conifer collections, foundation plantings, and containers where the Cryptomeria needle texture is desired at small scale. The extremely slow growth rate keeps it in scale for decades. Educational value: comparison of Cryptomeria needle form across cultivars of different sizes and habits.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years
Bloom Information
Cryptomeria japonica 'Pygmaea' produces inconspicuous male cones in late winter to early spring (February–March). Female cones, if produced, are small, globular, 0.5–1 inch (12–25 mm), ripening brown in fall.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
bright green; slight bronze in cold winters, recovering 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
Plant Cryptomeria japonica 'Pygmaea' in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.0–7.0. Consistent moisture during the first two growing seasons. Tolerates brief drought once established. Performs well in Pacific Northwest maritime climate. No corrective pruning needed. Do not fertilize to accelerate growth.Pruning
No pruning is required. The dense, compact form is self-sustaining. Remove dead or damaged branchlets in late spring.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: 15 gallons