Sugi
Cryptomeria japonica · Cupressaceae
📷 Yosemite · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around sugi and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fine and scale-like, green to bronze
- Flowering
- Discreet cones, spring
- Adult size
- 20 to 30 m tall, narrow conical form
- Growth
- Fast to moderate depending on conditions
- Hardiness
- Good, down to -15 °C
- Origin
- Japan, Honshu and Kyushu islands
- Soil type
- Well-drained, slightly acidic, rich in organic matter
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Cryptomeria japonica requires partial shade, rich organic soil, and slightly acidic conditions. This conifer fears summer drought and dry air.
The common mistake
Placing it in full sun or poor soil causes needles to brown first (apical browning), then slow decline.
The pro's trick
Thick organic mulch and deep watering in summer limit browning in dry climates.
Care
Light exposure
Plant in full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and well-colored foliage. Cryptomeria tolerates light shade but remains denser and more compact in sunlight. Protect from dry and cold winds that can damage the fine foliage, particularly when young.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year to establish the root system properly. Once established, watering can be reduced as the species enjoys moisture without becoming waterlogged. During prolonged dry periods, check soil moisture and water deeply.
Soil and planting
Prepare well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral, enriched with compost or peat. Avoid chalky soils and low-lying areas where water accumulates. Adding organic matter at planting helps establishment.
Pruning and maintenance
Pruning is generally unnecessary as cryptomeria naturally forms a regular conical shape. Remove only dead, diseased, or poorly positioned branches. Pruned branches heal slowly; intervene sparingly and in late winter.
Fertilizing
Undemanding, cryptomeria does not require regular fertilization in rich soil. Applying balanced fertilizer in spring during the first few years helps growth. Avoid excess nitrogen which weakens hardiness.
Pests and diseases
Generally hardy and little susceptible to major pests. Beware of excess moisture which can promote root rot or leaf fungi. Ensure good air circulation and check drainage.
Did you know?
The Japanese cryptomeria, called 'sugi' in Japanese, is the national tree of Japan and holds sacred importance in Shinto culture. Some specimens planted in Buddhist temples date back over 1000 years and are living monuments, revered for their exceptional longevity.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.