This compact evergreen makes a big impact in containers and small gardens.
Use Dragon PrinceTM Cryptomeria as an accent in mixed plantings or massed in borders against a dark evergreen backdrop.
Plants also perform well in containers and make a wonderful addition to rock gardens and open woodlands.
Credit:Southern Living Plant Collection
Dragon PrinceTM Cryptomeria is a compact form of Japanese cedar.
No pruning is necessary to maintain the rounded habit.
These water-wise beauties tolerate a range of soils as long as they drain well to prevent root rot.
Dragon PrinceTM Cryptomeria is slow-growing and makes a gorgeous specimen in small gardens oraccent in larger spaces.
It thrives throughout the South in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9.
Light
Dragon PrinceTM Cryptomeria performs well in dappled sunlight, full sun, or partial shade.
Although plants tolerate full sun all day, the ideal conditions are morning sun with light afternoon shade.
Soil
Cryptomeria requires moist but well-drained acidic soil that is high in organic matter.
If drainage is a problem, amend soil with compost and plant on mounds or berms.
Reduce irrigation frequency once plants are established, watering when the top two inches of soil are dry.
Established plants tolerate brief periods of droughtbut thrive with consistent soil moisture.
Cryptomeria tolerates freezing winter temperatures.
In colder areas, foliage may take on an attractive purple-bronze color in winter.
This is normal and the foliage will green up again in spring.
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer according to label rates, broadcasting evenly throughout the entire root zone.
Types Of Cryptomeria
Dragon PrinceTM Cryptomeria is a compact form of Japanese cedar,Cryptomeria japonica.
Several compact and dwarf cultivars have been selected, including Dragon PrinceTM.
Cryptomeria are underutilized in the landscape and make excellent evergreens throughout the South.
Early fall or early spring are ideal times to plant cryptomeria in mild climates.
In colder regions, plant cryptomeria in early spring.
Space plants according to their mature width.
Set plants closer together for mass planting and farther apart when using as specimens and accents.
Water potted plants well before transplanting to prevent roots from drying out during the planting process.
Dig a planting hole 2-3 times as wide as the root ball.
This allows you to spread the root system.
Gently remove the plant from its pot and loosen the roots.
Fill the planting hole with soil, pressing the soil down gently with your hand.
Add more soil as needed until the soil level is even with the surrounding surface.
Water plants thoroughly and apply 1 to 2 inches of mulch.
Leave a 2- to 3-ring around the stem free of mulch.
Pruning Dragon PrinceTM Cryptomeria
Dragon PrinceTM Cryptomeria is slow growing and maintains its rounded form without pruning.
Overwintering
Dragon PrinceTM Cryptomeria is winter hardy to zone 6.
This is best addressed through site selection at planting time.
double-check plants are well watered going into fall and winter.
Apply a thin layer of mulch in winter to moderate soil temperatures and conserve moisture.
Propagating Dragon PrinceTM Cryptomeria
Dragon PrinceTM Cryptomeria is patent-protected and cannot be propagated.
In fact, Japanese cedar is a popular choice for bonsai.
Whether you grow full sized container plants or bonsai, selecting a container with good drainage is critical.
Use an acidic soil mix with good drainage, such as one labelled for rhododendrons and azaleas or camellias.
Repot cryptomeria every two to three years into larger containers and fresh soil.
Select a container that is one to two sizes larger than the current pot.
This is also true when potting newly purchased plants.
Water potted plants deeply when the upper two inches of soil feels dry to the touch.
Container-grown shrubs dry out faster than those planted in the ground, so check soil moisture regularly.
Mite damage can occur during very hot weather when plants are stressed due to drought.
Fungal diseases such as leaf spot and leaf blight can be prevented through careful cultural practices.
Avoid crowding plants, which can further limit air flow.
It is also helpful to locate plants in areas exposed to morning sun to dry dew from the foliage.
Irrigate plants using drip irrigation to keep the foliage as dry as possible.
Remember, cryptomeria, like many needled evergreens, often take on a bronze cast during winter.
This is natural and nothing to be concerned about.
