Dwarf Japanese Cedar Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Nana'

The Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Nana' cultivar belongs to the Cypress family (formally Taxodiaceae that was consolidated with the Cupressaceae family).  This cultivar is a very slow-growing conifer evergreen shrub with a dense, rounded, flat-topped growth habit and short, finely textured leaves.  The leaves are green during the summer, turn bronze in winter, and return to green in the spring.  Juvenile leaves are soft, feathery and blue-green.  As leaves mature, they become stiffer and prickly.  Full sun is preferred with light afternoon shade.  Protection from strong drying winter wind is recommended.  Acidic, well drained, fertile soil is best but it can withstand periods of drought.  Compacted urban soils is tolerated if irrigation is provided.  This is an interesting specimen plant for smaller areas and requires little if any pruning to maintain its form  Cones may form in the fall, but are small and inconspicuous and do not create nuisance litter.  Other Japanese Cedar cultivars vary greatly in size and form, including larger tree forms.  

This plant may be confused with other Cryptomeria Japonica varieties that are not dwarf.  For example, Cryptomeria Japonica 'Elegans' is not dwarf and has a much taller pyramidal form.  

In Hawaii, Japanese cedar is listed as invasive for the Haleakala National Park.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  This plant is generally trouble-free but may be susceptible to mites, fungi, die back leaf spot, and leaf blight.  Leaf blight can cause foliage to turn brown.  However, blight can be avoided by locating plants in areas with good air circulation and avoiding wet foliage.  

More information on Cryptomeria japonica.