Japanese Cedar Cryptomeria japonica 'Vilmoriniana'
ABOUT
The Japanese cedar 'Vilmoriniana' is a cultivar renowned for its attractive foliage and unique growth habit. Its needles are soft and feathery, creating a dense, spongy mass that can be rich green to bluish-green in color. The lush needles tend to curl slightly at the ends, giving the plant a somewhat frothy appearance. This evergreen conifer exhibits a tendency to form a rounded, somewhat globular shape, which adds to its aesthetic appeal in landscape design. The bark of the Japanese cedar 'Vilmoriniana' is reddish-brown and can peel off in strips, adding an additional textural element to its overall look. Cones may form, which are small and round; they typically have a reddish-brown hue. Over time, the plant's shape and structure, coupled with its distinctive needle texture, make it a striking choice for gardens that aim to capture a visual interest without relying on significant vertical or horizontal measurements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cupressaceae.
Synonyms
Japanese Cedar, Vilmorin's Japanese Cedar, Vilmoriniana Dwarf Japanese Cedar, Vilmorin's Cryptomeria.
Common names
Cryptomeria japonica 'Vilmoriniana'
ToxicityTo humans
Cryptomeria, commonly known as Japanese Cedar, is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no notable toxicity associated with ingesting this plant, and no symptoms of poisoning are generally expected as a result of contact with or ingestion of the plant material.
To pets
Japanese Cedar is also not considered toxic to pets. There is no significant toxicity reported in domestic animals upon ingestion of this plant, and it is not expected to cause poisoning symptoms in pets. However, non-toxic does not necessarily mean harmless, and ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset or obstruction in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to landscapes with its unique, dense, globe-shaped form and attractive blue-green foliage.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care once established, making it a convenient choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Adaptability: Tolerates a range of soil types, although it prefers moist, well-drained soil, and can adapt to various climates.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and in garden settings.
- Habitat Provision: Offers shelter to a variety of wildlife, including birds that may nest in its branches.
- Privacy: Can be used as a privacy screen or hedge in residential gardens due to its dense foliage.
- Year-Round Interest: Provides visual interest throughout the seasons, with foliage that may change color in colder months.
- Compact Size: Its small, manageable size makes it suitable for use in urban gardens and in areas with limited space.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of drought, reducing the need for supplemental watering.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Miniature Bonsai Specimen: Cryptomeria, or Japanese cedar, is often used in the art of bonsai due to its small size and ease of training, making 'Vilmoriniana' a perfect candidate for creating intricate miniature landscapes.
- Model Making: The fine-grained wood of Japanese cedar can be used in model making, especially for architectural models or intricate carving, due to its workability and smooth finish.
- Craft Wood: Woodworkers may use the wood of 'Vilmoriniana' for crafting small objects like jewelry boxes or picture frames, appreciating the wood's natural beauty and finish.
- Terrarium Landscapes: The dwarf nature of 'Vilmoriniana' allows for its incorporation into terrariums, lending a forest-like ambiance to these miniature ecosystems.
- Festive Decorations: During holidays, branches of the Japanese cedar can be used to create natural wreaths or other festive decorations, offering a unique and aromatic addition to the decor.
- Photography Prop: The unusual and picturesque growth of 'Vilmoriniana' can serve as an excellent outdoor photography prop, especially in landscape and nature photography.
- Culinary Smoking: Chips made from Cryptomeria wood can be used to smoke foods, giving them a unique flavor that is different from more commonly used woods like hickory or mesquite.
- Privacy Screening: Though 'Vilmoriniana' is a dwarf cultivar, it can be planted in clusters to create low privacy screens in gardens or on patios.
- Sensory Gardens: Japanese cedar creates a sensory experience with its soft foliage and unique scent, making it a good addition to gardens designed for therapeutic or educational purposes.
- Topiary Art: 'Vilmoriniana' can be shaped and maintained as part of a topiary garden, where its foliage and form can be sculpted into various artistic shapes.
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: As a variety of Cryptomeria, which is known to be a long-lived tree species, the 'Vilmoriniana' symbolizes endurance and the ability to withstand the test of time.
- Peace and Tranquility: Its lush green foliage and soft texture often evoke a sense of calm and serenity, making it representative of a peaceful environment.
- Spiritual Enlightenment: In Japan, Cryptomeria trees are often found near temples and shrines, thereby associating them with spiritual growth and enlightenment.
- Strength: The wood of Cryptomeria is strong and resilient, thus the plant can symbolize inner strength and solidity.
WaterJapanese Cedar 'Vilmoriniana' needs regular watering to maintain moist soil, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, it is moderately drought tolerant but should be watered deeply every couple of weeks during dry periods. Apply about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per session for young plants, increasing as the plant grows. During the hottest months, weekly watering may be necessary, while in cooler months, reducing the frequency to every two to three weeks can suffice, always checking the soil moisture before watering.
LightJapanese Cedar 'Vilmoriniana' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be planted in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can also tolerate some shade. If situated in too much shade, the plant may become less dense and vibrant.
TemperatureJapanese Cedar 'Vilmoriniana' is hardy and adaptable, withstanding temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers cooler climates and can suffer if exposed to extreme heat over 90 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods. The ideal temperature range is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth.
PruningPrune Japanese Cedar 'Vilmoriniana' primarily to shape and control its size, as it has a naturally pleasing shape. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning should be done sparingly, focusing on removing any dead or damaged branches and occasionally thinning out dense areas to allow light and air circulation.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Cedar 'Vilmoriniana' thrives in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH range of 5.0-7.0. A mixture of peat moss, compost, and perlite or pine bark can provide the ideal growing conditions.
RepottingJapanese Cedar 'Vilmoriniana' typically requires repotting every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Younger plants may need more frequent repotting.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Cedar 'Vilmoriniana' prefers a moderate to high humidity level, ideally between 50-70%, but it is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, partial to full sun.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleCryptomeria japonica 'Vilmoriniana', commonly known as the Vilmorin's Japanese cedar, begins its life cycle as a seed, generally produced following pollination that occurs in late winter to early spring. The seed germinates in suitable moist and well-drained soil conditions, usually in partial to full sun, growing into a seedling with a characteristic conical form. As a juvenile, the plant develops its dense, bright green foliage, which later matures to a blue-green hue. It undergoes a period of vigorous growth, eventually reaching its mature height of 2-4 feet and spreading 2-4 feet wide. During adulthood, it produces small, inconspicuous male and female cones, with the spherical female cones maturing to brown as they house the seeds. The Vilmorin's Japanese cedar can live for many years, with minimal maintenance, adding texture and year-round interest in garden landscapes.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
Cryptomeria japonica 'Vilmoriniana', commonly known as Japanese Cedar, is most commonly propagated using softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is typically done in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still flexible but beginning to mature. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and taken from healthy, disease-free plants. The lower third of the cutting is stripped of foliage and dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, the prepared cutting is planted in a well-draining, moist medium like a mix of peat and perlite. The environment should be kept humid, which often involves covering the cuttings with a plastic dome or misting regularly until roots have established which can take several weeks to a few months.
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