Black Dragon Cryptomeria
Cryptomeria japonica 'Black Dragon'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
120 inches
Width
60 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
many decades
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Cryptomeria japonica 'Black Dragon' is an evergreen conifer with a dense, upright growth habit, featuring dark, bluish-green foliage that forms attractive, soft, needle-like leaves, creating a striking vertical silhouette. This cultivar is celebrated for its deep, almost blackish foliage that provides dramatic contrast in gardens and its excellent adaptability to various soil conditions, making it a popular choice for ornamental landscaping.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny, well-drained site with acidic to neutral soil.
- Tuck young plants into soil at the same depth they were in their containers.
- Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist for first year.
- Mist foliage during dry spells to prevent needle scorch.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune lightly in early spring to shape and remove dead branches.
Pro Tip
Plant in a sheltered spot to protect from harsh winter winds.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Mulch annually to retain moisture
- Prune lightly to maintain shape
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize late in the season
- Refrain from heavy pruning during winter
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Black Dragon Cryptomeria questions
What zones can Black Dragon Cryptomeria grow in?
Black Dragon Cryptomeria is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Black Dragon Cryptomeria deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Black Dragon Cryptomeria, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
Does Black Dragon Cryptomeria need full sun?
Black Dragon Cryptomeria does best in full sun (6+ hours).
More Cryptomeria to compare
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Cryptomeria japonica 'Sekkan'
Golden Japanese Cedar
Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Aurea'
Mitama Japanese Cedar
Cryptomeria japonica 'Mitama'
Japanese Cedar Yellow Twig
Cryptomeria japonica 'Yellow Twig'
Spiraliter Falcata Japanese Cedar
Cryptomeria japonica 'Spiraliter Falcata'
Japanese Cedar Taisho Tamasugi
Cryptomeria japonica 'Taisho Tamasugi'
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Grow Black Dragon Cryptomeria with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
