Species

Cryptomeria japonicaJapanese Cedar

18 other cultivars

shrub

Dragon Prince Cryptomeria

Cryptomeria japonica 'Dragon Prince'

$19.99

The Story

Plant Bio

Cryptomeria japonica, or Japanese Cedar, is a large, pyramidal evergreen conifer with reddish-brown bark and soft, awl-shaped needles. It is the national tree of Japan.

'Dragon Prince' is a dwarf, compact cultivar that maintains a neat, rounded to broadly pyramidal shape without pruning. It features bright green, fine-textured foliage that holds its color well, taking on only slight bronze tones in winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Its compact, tidy globe shape and bright green, soft-textured foliage provide year-round structure and beauty. It's an excellent choice for adding fine texture to the landscape without overwhelming a small space.

This dwarf conifer is perfectly scaled for foundation plantings, small gardens, and large containers. Its low-maintenance nature means no pruning is required to maintain its neat form.

The dense foliage provides shelter and protection for small birds, especially during winter months.

SpeciesCryptomeria japonicaJapanese Cedar

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plants By Mail

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$19.99

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with at least 4-6 hours of sun and moist, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Amend soil with compost to improve fertility and drainage.
Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at or slightly above soil level.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly to remove air pockets.
Apply a layer of mulch around the base, avoiding contact with the stem.

Pro Tip

Protect from harsh, drying winter winds to prevent foliage burn, especially in the northern parts of its range.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry weather.
Plant in a location sheltered from strong winter winds.
Mulch to keep the root zone cool and moist.
Allow the plant to develop its natural form; pruning is rarely needed.

Don't

Do not let the soil dry out completely.
Avoid planting in waterlogged or boggy conditions.
Don't plant in deep shade, which can cause sparse growth.
Avoid heavy pruning, which can ruin its compact, natural shape.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Perfectly scaled foundation plantingTextural accent in rock gardens or bordersLow-maintenance container specimen

Companion Plants

Heuchera 'Caramel'Hosta 'June'Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'Rhododendron 'P.J.M.'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dragon Prince Cryptomeria questions

What zones can Dragon Prince Cryptomeria grow in?

Dragon Prince Cryptomeria is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Dragon Prince Cryptomeria deer resistant?

Yes — Dragon Prince Cryptomeria is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Dragon Prince Cryptomeria bloom?

Dragon Prince Cryptomeria typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Dragon Prince Cryptomeria need full sun?

Dragon Prince Cryptomeria does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.