Cryptomeria japonica Dinger

The Cryptomeria japonica 'Dinger' is a particular variety of Japanese Cedar that will seduce with its appearance of a large sea urchin. Forming a wide ball, it produces upright and thread-like shoots that branch out from the second year. As it ages, through successive branching, its vegetation becomes denser and presents a bristly aspect. Original, elegant, and space-saving, this conifer deserves a good spot in a rockery, in the centre of a bed, or in a modern or Japanese-style setting. It will thrive in any well-drained garden, preferably non-calcareous, and rather cool soil.

The Cryptomeria japonica is a very tall 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 adapted to a mild oceanic climate, with year-round humidity and mild winters. In Asia, this forest tree, resembling a sequoia, 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 can still reach heights of 30 to 40 m (98 ft 5 in to 131 ft 2 in). The foliage is evergreen in winter and consists of thread-like needles arranged spirally 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 to our soils and average climates.

The 'Dinger' Cryptomeria was selected in the Netherlands in the early 2000s. Originally, it was a branch of Cryptomeria japonica Dacrydioides' that had an unusual appearance. The branch was isolated and then propagated by cuttings. It is a natural mutation. The slow-growing tree will reach approximately 1.20 m (3 ft 11 in) in height and 1.30 m (4 ft 4 in) in width after 10 years. Eventually, it can reach 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in all directions. The trunk is slender and extends to the top of the tree. Its wood is red-brown in colour. The curved needles are grouped into 5 spirals around the twig. The foliage is fine, with a beautiful tender green colour in spring, a slightly darker green in summer, and glaucous in winter, densely covering the shoots. These shoots grow vertically and then branch out from the second year. Each new shoot then branches out, resulting in a very dense vegetation. This variety is hardy up to -15°C (5 °F) once mature, but young specimens are intolerant of severe frosts. It requires a sheltered position from cold and dry winds, as well as a non-scorching exposure.

If the Cryptomeria japonica 'Dinger' finds its place in your garden, it will arouse the curiosity of all your visitors. It is an interesting specimen to highlight. Some ground-covering conifers with a prostrate habit (Juniperus horizontalis Blue Chip, J.squamata Blue Carpet), a carpet of periwinkles, or even snowdrops, for example, could be placed at its base. This conifer will acclimatise in regions with not too harsh winters and not too dry summers.

Uses/Properties:

The wood of the Japanese Cedar is pleasantly fragrant, with a beautiful pink-red colour, lightweight but resistant and decay-resistant. It is widely used in Japan for all types of construction, both indoors and out.