Japanese Cedar Cryptomeria japonica 'Bandai-sugi'
ABOUT
The Cryptomeria japonica 'Bandai-sugi', commonly known as the Japanese cedar, is a visually striking evergreen with a unique appearance that contributes to its popularity in ornamental horticulture. Without focussing on its dimensions, we can describe its overall form and the characteristics of its foliage and cones. The Japanese cedar has a dense, conical shape, with branches that tend to sweep downwards. It is particularly noted for its soft, needle-like leaves that elegantly spiral around the stems, and normally come in a rich green shade, although they may transition to a bronzer color during colder months. The plant's leaves are fine and delicate to the touch, contributing to its feathery texture. When describing the cones, the Japanese cedar produces small, globular cones that are relatively inconspicuous, typically less than an inch in diameter. These cones add further decorative interest, starting out green and maturing to a brown color as they age. The bark is another notable feature, typically presenting as a reddish-brown with a peeling texture, giving it a rugged and attractive appearance. The visual characteristics of the Japanese cedar make it an appealing choice as a focal point for gardens or as part of a larger landscape design.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cupressaceae.
Synonyms
Bandai Sugi, Japanese Cedar, Japanese Redwood, Sugi Cedar.
Common names
Cryptomeria japonica 'Bandai-sugi'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Japanese cedar is generally not considered to be toxic to humans. There is no well-documented information indicating that ingestion of the plant parts of Cryptomeria japonica 'Bandai-sugi' causes poisoning. However, it is usually advisable to avoid ingestion of ornamental plants as a general precaution. If accidental ingestion does occur, and symptoms develop, it is important to seek medical attention.
To pets
The Japanese cedar is not typically recognized as a plant with high toxicity to pets. There are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with Cryptomeria japonica 'Bandai-sugi', as it is generally considered to be non-toxic. However, ingesting plant material can sometimes cause mild stomach upset in pets due to the fiber and resins contained in the plant. If pets display any unusual symptoms after ingesting any part of the plant, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
3 feet [0.91 meters]
Spread
2 feet [0.61 meters]
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Cryptomeria japonica 'Bandai-sugi' is a compact evergreen that adds year-round interest to gardens with its dense, green foliage.
- Its slow-growing, dwarf habit makes it ideal for small gardens or landscape features like rock gardens and foundation plantings.
- The plant's unique texture and form can serve as an attractive focal point or as part of a mixed border.
- Being resistant to deer, it is suitable for areas where deer browse is a problem, preventing damage to the garden.
- As a Japanese Cedar, it is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, making it adaptable to different garden settings.
- It requires minimal pruning and maintenance, which is convenient for gardeners looking for low-maintenance plants.
- The plant can also be used for bonsai, offering enthusiasts a chance to shape and train it in miniature form.
- It has a natural resistance to many common pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Its tolerance of drought makes it suitable for xeriscaping and sustainable gardens that aim to conserve water.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cryptomeria japonica 'Bandai-sugi' can be used in the construction of traditional Japanese string instruments such as shamisen, due to its resonant wood quality.
- The wood of 'Bandai-sugi' can be fashioned into small decorative objects or intricate carvings by artists, showcasing its fine grain and beauty.
- In bonsai, 'Bandai-sugi' is cultivated and trained for its interesting form and foliage, making it a prized specimen for enthusiasts.
- This plant serves as a natural insect repellent since the aromatic substances in the wood and leaves can deter pests.
- The foliage of 'Bandai-sugi' can be used in the creation of wreaths and other floral arrangements for its unique texture and visual interest.
- In landscape design, 'Bandai-sugi' is used for windbreaks or privacy screens due to its dense foliage and fast growth.
- The wood shavings and sawdust from 'Bandai-sugi' can be utilized as a natural mulch in gardening to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- 'Bandai-sugi' wood is used in the manufacturing of specialty papers, like those for calligraphy or traditional Japanese art, because of its fibrous quality.
- As a culturally significant tree, 'Bandai-sugi' may be planted in memorial gardens or used in reforestation projects on historical sites in Japan.
- The cones and seeds of 'Bandai-sugi' can be collected and used for crafting or as part of educational materials in botany and nature studies.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese Cedar is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese Cedar is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Enduring: Cryptomeria, or Japanese cedar, is known for its longevity and symbolizes endurance and the ability to withstand the test of time.
- Sacredness: In Japan, the Japanese cedar is often found in sacred places such as temples and shrines, representing purity and sacredness.
- Eternity: The evergreen nature of the Japanese cedar signifies eternal life or immortality.
- Peace: With its soft, pleasant fragrance and towering presence, the Japanese cedar is often associated with tranquility and peace.
WaterThe Japanese Cedar, commonly known as Cryptomeria japonica 'Bandai-sugi', should ideally be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its natural environment. During its growing season in the spring and summer, aim to water it once a week with approximately 1-2 gallons, depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. It's crucial to adjust watering during the fall and nearly cease in winter. Always check the top few inches of soil for dryness before watering again, to prevent overwatering the plant.
LightJapanese Cedar thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. It prefers a spot that receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight per day, although it can tolerate some light shade. Avoid overly shaded areas, as this can lead to sparse growth and reduced vigor.
TemperatureJapanese Cedar can survive in a range of temperatures and is quite hardy. In general, it can withstand temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as over 100°F, but prefers a comfortable range between 60°F and 80°F. Proper acclimatization is necessary if there is a risk of extreme cold.
PruningJapanese Cedar benefits from pruning to maintain shape, control size, and remove damaged or diseased branches. It is best pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Only light pruning is necessary annually, avoiding heavy cutting back, which may not regenerate well.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Japanese Cedar thrives in moist, well-draining soil with a high organic matter content, specifically a mix of loam, peat, and sand is ideal. A slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7 is optimal for this plant.
RepottingThe Japanese Cedar should be repotted every 2-3 years when young, and less frequently as it matures, to refresh the soil and promote healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingThe Japanese Cedar prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 70%, to mimic its natural habitat conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and high humidity for Japanese Cedar.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, partial shade to full sun for Japanese Cedar.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCryptomeria japonica 'Bandai-sugi', commonly known as Japanese Cedar, begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate, usually in the spring, requiring warmth and moisture. Seedlings emerge and establish a root system while developing juvenile foliage, characterized by needle-like leaves. As the plant grows, it enters the sapling stage, where it continues to develop its distinctive conical shape and starts producing adult foliage, which includes awl-shaped, spirally arranged leaves. The Japanese Cedar matures over several decades and can reach significant heights, developing reddish-brown bark that peels in vertical strips. It becomes reproductively mature, producing male and female cones on the same tree; the male cones release pollen, which fertilizes the female cones. Upon maturation of the seeds within the female cones, they are dispersed by wind, and the life cycle can begin anew with seed germination.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Japanese Cedar, or Cryptomeria japonica 'Bandai-sugi', is typically propagated through seed or cuttings, with the most popular and reliable method being the rooting of cuttings. This is often done in late summer to early fall, when the wood is semi-hardened. To propagate by cuttings, one would take a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 centimeters) cutting from the current year's growth, strip the lower needles, and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining potting mix, kept moist, and placed in a location with indirect sunlight. The propagation environment should be kept at a consistent temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 21 degrees Celsius), often under a plastic dome or in a greenhouse to maintain high humidity until roots have developed, which may take several weeks to a few months.
![Lawson's cypress [Ellwood's Pillar]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5d48a28a6.png&w=640&q=75)
