Japanese Cedar Cryptomeria japonica 'Globosa Nana'
ABOUT
The plant commonly referred to as Dwarf Japanese Cedar has a unique and striking appearance. It is characterized by its dense, shrubby form with a rounded, slightly dome-shaped habit. The foliage of this plant is richly green, taking on a slightly bluish or sometimes bronze hue during colder months, which provides year-round interest. The leaves are small, spirally arranged, and needle-like, covering the plant in a thick, soft-looking texture that invites touch. As it is of the dwarf variety, it maintains a compact size, making it well-suited to smaller landscapes or as a specimen in garden plantings. The Dwarf Japanese Cedar often displays a slow-growing nature and has tightly-packed leaves that contribute to its lush, rounded appearance. The needles themselves are quite short and may have a slightly curled or twisted look, giving the foliage an interesting texture up close. It is also worth noting that this plant is evergreen, maintaining its beauty throughout the year. The bark of the Dwarf Japanese Cedar is fibrous and reddish-brown, peeling in long strips on mature specimens, adding another layer of visual interest to the plant with its textured appearance. Though being a dwarf cultivar, the shape and texture of this Dwarf Japanese Cedar make it a distinctive choice for gardeners who value plants that offer aesthetic appeal without rapid or large-scale growth. Overall, the Dwarf Japanese Cedar is a slow-growing, densely-branched conifer with a compelling form and year-round color that stands out in ornamental gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cupressaceae.
Synonyms
Dwarf Japanese Cedar, Dwarf Globosa Japanese Cedar, Japanese Cryptomeria.
Common names
Cryptomeria japonica 'Globosa Nana'
ToxicityTo humans
The Japanese cedar is not known to be toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant typically does not lead to poisoning or serious consequences. However, as with any non-food plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur.
To pets
The Japanese cedar is also not considered toxic to pets. It is unlikely to cause poisoning if ingested by animals such as dogs and cats. However, consumption of non-food plants might cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets due to the plant's fiber content or if a pet has a specific sensitivity to the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Compact Growth: This cultivar remains small and manageable, making it an excellent choice for limited spaces.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care once established, thus suitable for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Year-round Interest: Evergreen foliage provides continuous color and structure throughout the year.
- Attractive Foliage: The dense, brightly colored leaves offer aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to most pests and diseases, ensuring a healthy plant with minimal treatments.
- Winter Hardiness: Capable of surviving in cold climates, which makes it suitable for various hardiness zones.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize soil, preventing erosion in sloped areas.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter for birds and small wildlife throughout the year.
- Adaptability: Can adapt to a variety of soil types, though it prefers moist, well-drained conditions.
- Formal or Informal Settings: Versatility makes it suitable for both formal gardens and informal landscape designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Topiary Art: Cryptomeria japonica 'Globosa Nana', commonly known as Japanese cedar, is dense and can be easily shaped, making it ideal for the art of topiary, creating living sculptures in gardens.
- Privacy Screens: This compact plant can be used to create low hedges or privacy screens in small garden spaces due to its slow-growing nature.
- Bonsai: With its small size and interesting texture, Japanese cedar is popular among bonsai enthusiasts who train it to take on miniature tree forms that mimic aged trees in nature.
- Urban Landscaping: Due to its tolerance for some pollution and its compact growth habit, it is suitable for urban environments and streetscaping.
- Festive Decor: Branches of the Japanese cedar may be used in festive decor, especially during winter months, to add a touch of greenery and natural woodsy scent indoors.
- Zen Gardens: This plant complements the minimalist aesthetic of Zen gardens, providing a serene, green focal point with its unique rounded form.
- Container Gardening: Its small size makes it appropriate for container gardening, where it adds evergreen interest to patios, balconies, and other small outdoor spaces.
- Model Railroading: Miniature landscapes, such as those created for model railways, can be enhanced using the small-scale foliage of the Japanese cedar to mimic trees.
- Photography Prop: Its unique form and texture can make for an interesting subject or background in garden and plant photography.
- Acarology: Dead foliage and wood from the Japanese cedar can serve as a micro-habitat for studying mites and other small invertebrates in scientific research and education.
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- Endurance and Longevity: The Cryptomeria japonica 'Globosa Nana', commonly known as the Japanese Cedar, is a species known for its ability to live for centuries, making it a symbol of endurance and the ability to withstand the test of time.
- National Pride: As the national tree of Japan, the Japanese Cedar represents a sense of pride and is deeply connected to the cultural identity of the Japanese people.
- Sacredness: These trees are often found surrounding temples and shrines in Japan, symbolizing sacredness and the divine. They are considered to embody the spirit of nature and are treated with reverence.
- Peace and Tranquility: The Japanese Cedar is emblematic of peace and tranquility, reflecting the serene and calming atmosphere of the environments where it often grows, such as meticulously designed Japanese gardens.
- Eternal: As an evergreen, the Japanese Cedar represents eternal life and immortality, often being associated with eternal youth and vigor due to its unchanging appearance throughout the seasons.
WaterJapanese Cedar 'Globosa Nana' should be watered deeply and thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. During the growing season, typically from spring through fall, water the plant approximately once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time, depending on the size of the plant and the soil conditions. In hot, dry weather, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler, wetter conditions, you can water less often. During the winter, reduce watering since the plant's water needs decrease. Always check the moisture level of the soil before watering to ensure that the plant is not overwatered.
LightJapanese Cedar 'Globosa Nana' prefers a location with full sun to partial shade. It thrives in an area that receives direct sunlight for at least 4 to 6 hours a day, but it can also tolerate light dappled shade. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can lead to poor growth and sparse foliage.
TemperatureThe Japanese Cedar 'Globosa Nana' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. It can survive minimum temperatures down to -20°F and is comfortable in the typical garden setting where temperatures do not exceed 90°F. Ideally, this plant prefers cooler conditions with temperatures between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth.
PruningPruning the Japanese Cedar 'Globosa Nana' is mainly for shaping and maintaining its compact, rounded form. Light pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It is generally sufficient to prune once a year, removing any dead or damaged branches and trimming back any overly ambitious growth to maintain its desired shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Cedar 'Globosa Nana' prefers a well-draining soil mix with a composition of two parts peat moss to one part loam and one part sand or perlite. It thrives in acidic to slightly alkaline pH, ranging from 5.0 to 7.5.
RepottingJapanese Cedar 'Globosa Nana' should generally be repotted every 2 to 3 years to ensure vigorous growth and to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Cedar 'Globosa Nana' does well in moderate humidity levels, benefiting from about 50% to 60% relative humidity, typical of outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place near a window; provide bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; shelter from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCryptomeria japonica 'Globosa Nana', commonly known as Dwarf Japanese Cedar, starts its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating in spring under appropriate moisture and temperature conditions. After germination, the seedling stage involves the growth of cotyledons (seed leaves) and the development of a root system. As the plant enters the juvenile phase, it begins to exhibit the distinctive dense, globe-shaped foliage and may take several years to mature. The adult Dwarf Japanese Cedar is slow-growing and retains a compact stature, eventually reaching its full size of 3-4 feet tall and wide, with maturity occurring anywhere from 10 to 20 years after planting. Reproduction occurs through the production of cones, with male cones shedding pollen to fertilize female cones, leading to the development of seeds that will disperse to begin the next generation. The life span of this evergreen conifer can extend well over a century under optimal conditions, with the plant going through cycles of growth, reproduction, and eventual senescence.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Japanese Cedar 'Globosa Nana' is best propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings during the late summer. This method involves selecting a healthy branch, cutting a piece of stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long with several leaves still attached. The lower leaves are stripped off and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting. The cutting should then be placed in a soil mix that provides good drainage while retaining sufficient moisture. A protective environment, such as a plastic cover, can help maintain the necessary humidity levels. The cuttings typically root in a few weeks to a few months, after which they can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
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