The Story
Plant Bio
Cryptomeria japonica, the Japanese Cedar, is a large, fast-growing evergreen coniferous tree that is the national tree of Japan. It features soft, awl-shaped needles and attractive reddish-brown bark.
'Yoshino' is a popular cultivar prized for its fast, uniform, pyramidal growth habit and its beautiful blue-green foliage that resists bronzing in winter better than the species. It is an excellent choice for screening or as a specimen tree.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
480 inches
Width
300 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate to high
Humidity
Prefers high humidity
Lifespan
Long-lived conifer
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a site protected from harsh, drying winter winds.
- Ensure soil is moist, acidic, and well-drained.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Plant with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface.
- Backfill the hole and water deeply to settle the soil.
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Pro Tip
Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment and dry periods, as it does not tolerate drought well.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly and deeply, especially in summer and fall.
- Mulch well to keep the root zone cool and moist.
- Protect from strong, drying winter winds to prevent foliage burn.
Don't
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
- Do not plant in alkaline soils, which can cause nutrient deficiencies.
- Avoid sites with poor air circulation, which can encourage disease.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Yoshino Japanese Cedar questions
What zones can Yoshino Japanese Cedar grow in?
Yoshino Japanese Cedar is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Yoshino Japanese Cedar deer resistant?
Yes — Yoshino Japanese Cedar is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
Does Yoshino Japanese Cedar need full sun?
Yoshino Japanese Cedar does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
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 Yoshino Japanese Cedar 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.



















