Cryptomeria japonica Cristata

The Cryptomeria japonica 'Cristata' is a variety of Japanese cedar that will appeal to plant enthusiasts. Forming a beautiful slender pyramid, with a more twisted appearance as it ages, this conifer has a whimsical architecture, adorned with fans at the ends of its branches. Original and elegant, this Cryptomeria deserves a prominent spot, isolated in the middle of a lawn in a spacious garden. It thrives in well-drained, preferably moist and not excessively calcareous soil.

The Cryptomeria japonica is a very large conifer from the taxodiaceae family native to Japan. In its country of origin, this tree is commonly planted around religious temples. It is a species that thrives in mild oceanic climates with year-round humidity and mild winters. In Asia, this sequoia-like forest tree can reach heights of up to 60 m (196 ft 11 in), with a trunk diameter of 4 m (13 ft 1 in) covered in reddish-brown bark that peels off in vertical strips. In our latitudes, it still reaches heights of 30 to 40 m (98 ft 5 in to 131 ft 2 in). The foliage is evergreen. It consists of curved needles arranged in spirals around the twigs. The Japanese cedar has given rise to numerous cultivars selected for their compact growth, foliage appearance, original habit, resistance to cold, and better tolerance of our soil types and average climates.

The cultivar 'Cristata' was selected in Japan before 1900. It is a peculiar form of Cryptomeria japonica with a crested growth as some young shoots fuse into cock crest-like shapes. This characteristic is due to the phenomenon of cristation, which is quite common in plants but poorly understood: in affected species, tissue development occurs horizontally, resulting in crest-shaped stems. The tree grows rather fast in its early years and will reach a height of about 11-12 m (36 ft 1 in-39 ft 5 in) with a spread of 5 m (16 ft 5 in) after many years. Young specimens have a narrower habit, which broadens over time. The trunk is thin, straight, and extends to the top of the tree, with a reddish-brown wood. The curved needles form 5 spirals around each twig. The foliage is delicate, ranging from a beautiful tender green to a deeper shade in summer, glaucous in winter, and covers many slightly trailing branchlets. This variety is hardy down to -15°C (5 °F) once mature, but young plants are susceptible to severe frosts. It requires a sheltered location from cold and dry winds, as well as avoiding excessive exposure to direct sunlight.

If the Cryptomeria japonica Cristata thrives in your garden, it will arouse the curiosity of all your visitors. It is a beautiful specimen that deserves to be showcased. You could place a few trailing conifers at its base (such as Juniperus horizontalis Blue Chip or J.squamata Blue Carpet), a carpet of periwinkles, or even some snowdrops, for example. This conifer will adapt to climates that are not too harsh or dry.

Uses/Properties:

The wood of the Japanese Cedar is pleasantly fragrant, with a beautiful reddish-pink color, lightweight yet resistant, and resistant to decay. It is widely used in Japan for various types of construction, both outdoors and indoors.