Golden Japanese Cedar
Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Aurea'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
120 inches
Width
60 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
Over 50 years
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Aurea' is a coniferous evergreen with graceful, upright growth and soft, feathery foliage that displays a striking golden-yellow hue, creating a luminous presence in gardens. This cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant golden foliage that retains its brightness throughout the growing season, adding a luminous accent to mixed borders and ornamental plantings.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select well-draining, acidic loam soil for planting.
- Tuck young plants into the ground in early spring or fall.
- Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist.
- Mist foliage regularly to maintain humidity, especially in dry climates.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring for best growth.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Plant in partial shade for optimal golden foliage color.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Prune lightly to maintain shape and remove dead branches
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Do not expose to harsh, full sun which can scorch needles
- Refrain from heavy fertilization to prevent excessive growth
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| 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
Golden Japanese Cedar questions
What zones can Golden Japanese Cedar grow in?
Golden Japanese Cedar is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Golden Japanese Cedar deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Golden Japanese Cedar, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Golden Japanese Cedar bloom?
Golden Japanese Cedar typically blooms in early spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Golden Japanese Cedar need full sun?
Golden Japanese Cedar does best in part shade.
More Cryptomeria to compare
Japanese Cedar Sekkan
Cryptomeria japonica 'Sekkan'
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'
Japanese Cedar Jindai
Cryptomeria japonica 'Jindai'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Grow Golden 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.
