Cryptomeria japonica Spiralis

The Cryptomeria japonica 'Spiralis' is a delicate, original form of Japanese cedar, with all its branches arranged in a spiral, from the twigs to the needles. Forming a wide and dense, sheep-like cone, covered with soft green feathery foliage, this conifer presents an elegant, bright vegetation. It deserves a good spot, isolated in the middle of a bed or in front of larger shrubs. The Japanese cedar thrives in any well-drained garden soil, not too dry, and without excessive limestone.

The Cryptomeria japonica is a very tall conifer of the taxodiaceae family native to Japan. In its country of origin, this tree is commonly planted around religious temples. It is a light and mild oceanic climate species, both humid all year round and mild in winter. In Asia, this forest tree with sequoia-like appearance sometimes reaches 60 m (196 ft 11 in) in height, standing on a 4 m (13 ft 1 in) diameter trunk covered with reddish-brown bark that flakes off in vertical strips. In our latitudes, it still reaches 30 to 40 m (98 ft 5 in to 131 ft 2 in) in height. The foliage is evergreen in winter. It is formed of curved needles arranged in spirals around the twigs. The Japanese cedar has given rise to many cultivars selected for their smaller mature stature, the appearance of their foliage, their original habit, their tolerance to cold, and their improved tolerance of soils and average climates.

The cultivar 'Spiralis' was selected in Japan before 1800. It is a particular form of the Cryptomeria japonica. The tree, which grows quite slowly in its early years, will reach about 5-6 m (16 ft 5 in-19 ft 8 in) in height and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) in spread after many years. Its annual growth is about 15 to 20 cm (5.9 to 7.9 in). Young specimens have a narrower habit, which widens over time to form a broad cone. The trunk is thin, straight, and extends to the top of the tree. Its wood is reddish-brown in colour. The curved needles are grouped into 5 spirals around each twig. The branchlets are also more or less twisted in a spiral. The foliage is delicate, with a beautiful tender green color in spring, slightly darkening in summer, and more glaucous in winter. This variety is hardy up to -12°C (10.4 °F) when mature, but young specimens fear severe frosts. It requires a sheltered position from cold and dry winds, as well as a non-scorching exposure.

If the Cryptomeria japonica Spiralis thrives in your garden, it will arouse the curiosity of all your visitors. It is a beautiful specimen to highlight. Some ground cover conifers with a prostrate habit (Juniperus horizontalis Blue Chip, J. squamata Blue Carpet), a carpet of periwinkles, or even some snowdrops could be placed at its base. This conifer will acclimatise to Western regions where winter is not too harsh and summer is not too dry.

Uses/Properties:

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