Species
Cryptomeria japonicaJapanese Cedar19 other cultivars
‘Elegans Aurea’Golden Japanese Cedar
‘Sekkan’Japanese Cedar Sekkan
‘Yellow Twig’Japanese Cedar Yellow Twig
‘Mitama’Mitama Japanese Cedar
‘Jindai’Japanese Cedar Jindai
‘Taisho Tamasugi’Japanese Cedar Taisho Tamasugi
‘Spiraliter Falcata’Spiraliter Falcata Japanese Cedar
‘Vilmoriniana’Vilmorin Dwarf Japanese Cedar
‘Knaptonensis’Knaptonensis Japanese Cedar
‘Araucarioides’Japanese Cryptomeria Araucarioides
‘Black Dragon’Black Dragon Cryptomeria
‘Compressa’Japanese Cryptomeria
‘Tsukumo’Japanese Cedar Tsukumo
‘Rasen’Rasen Japanese Cedar
‘Tenzan Yatsabusa’Tenzan Yatsabusa Cryptomeria
‘Yoshino’Yoshino Japanese Cedar
‘Radicans’Radicans Japanese Cedar
‘Dragon Prince’Dragon Prince Cryptomeria
‘Ikari’Japanese Cedar Ikari
The Story
Plant Bio
Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Nana' is a compact, coniferous evergreen with soft, feathery foliage arranged in dense, rounded growth habit, producing upright, reddish-brown cones and adding ornamental appeal throughout the year.
This cultivar is distinguished by its small, mound-forming size and gracefully cascading branches, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance, ornamental garden features and container planting.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
36 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Unknown, but generally long-lived
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Late fall
In flower about 1 month of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
- Tuck seeds or young plants into prepared soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings lightly to maintain humidity during rooting.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Mulch around base to conserve moisture and regulate temperature.
- Transplant in early spring or fall for best results.
Pro Tip
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and maintain consistent moisture.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 💧
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune lightly to maintain shape
- Monitor for pests and diseases
Don't
- Avoid overwatering ❌
- Don’t fertilize late in the season
- Avoid heavy pruning in winter
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| 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
Cryptomeria japonica Elegans Nana questions
What zones can Cryptomeria japonica Elegans Nana grow in?
Cryptomeria japonica Elegans Nana is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Cryptomeria japonica Elegans Nana deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Cryptomeria japonica Elegans Nana, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Cryptomeria japonica Elegans Nana bloom?
Cryptomeria japonica Elegans Nana typically blooms in late fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Cryptomeria japonica Elegans Nana need full sun?
Cryptomeria japonica Elegans Nana does best in part shade.
More Cryptomeria to compare
Golden Japanese Cedar
Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Aurea'
Japanese Cedar Sekkan
Cryptomeria japonica 'Sekkan'
Japanese Cedar Yellow Twig
Cryptomeria japonica 'Yellow Twig'
Mitama Japanese Cedar
Cryptomeria japonica 'Mitama'
Japanese Cedar Jindai
Cryptomeria japonica 'Jindai'
Japanese Cedar Taisho Tamasugi
Cryptomeria japonica 'Taisho Tamasugi'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Cryptomeria japonica Elegans Nana 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.