Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Viridis' (Japanese Cedar) – A Graceful Evergreen with Vibrant Green Foliage and Year-Round Beauty
Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Viridis', commonly known as Japanese Cedar, is an elegant evergreen conifer prized for its striking green foliage and graceful, feathery texture. This variety offers vibrant green needles that change subtly with the seasons, adding year-round interest to the garden. Reaching a height of 1.5–2.5 meters (5–8 feet), 'Elegans Viridis' is perfect for smaller gardens, borders, and as a specimen plant. Its slow-growing nature, paired with its dense, soft foliage, makes it an ideal choice for adding structure, texture, and a sense of tranquillity to both contemporary and traditional landscapes.
Why Grow Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Viridis' (Japanese Cedar)?
Vibrant Green Foliage – The rich, vibrant green needles offer a soft, feathery texture that adds elegance and contrast to your garden, making it a perfect backdrop for both flowering and evergreen plants.
Year-Round Interest – The foliage remains lush and vibrant throughout the year, maintaining its colour even through the colder months. In the winter, the needles take on a slightly bronzed hue, adding seasonal depth to the landscape.
Compact Size – Reaching a height of 1.5–2.5 meters (5–8 feet), 'Elegans Viridis' is well-suited for smaller gardens, container planting, or as a low hedge or accent plant in mixed borders.
Low-Maintenance & Hardy – This Japanese Cedar variety is hardy and requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a graceful, easy-to-grow conifer.
Wildlife-Friendly – The dense foliage provides shelter for birds and small wildlife, making it an ideal plant for adding biodiversity and natural habitat to your garden.
Planting & Care Guide
Position – Prefers full sun to partial shade. 'Elegans Viridis' does best in sunny locations but can tolerate some shade, especially in warmer climates. It's an excellent choice for borders, specimen planting, or as part of an evergreen garden.
Soil – Thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It is adaptable to a range of soil types but performs best in moist, well-drained conditions.
Watering – Water regularly, particularly during dry periods and the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, 'Elegans Viridis' is moderately drought-tolerant, though it benefits from consistent moisture.
Maintenance:
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Pruning – Prune lightly in early spring to maintain its natural shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Since it is a slow-growing conifer, minimal pruning is typically needed.
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Mulching – Apply mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, keep roots cool, and suppress weeds.
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Fertilizing – Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth, especially in nutrient-poor soil.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Viridis' pairs beautifully with other evergreen conifers such as Juniper, Abies, or Thuja, which complement its fine-textured foliage. For added contrast, combine it with deciduous shrubs like Spiraea, Hydrangea, or Cotoneaster, which offer seasonal changes in colour. This conifer also works well in woodland gardens or Japanese-inspired landscapes, where its subtle colour changes and soft, feathery texture enhance the serene atmosphere. Additionally, it can be combined with ornamental grasses like Miscanthus or Carex to add dynamic movement and texture to your landscape. 'Elegans Viridis' provides a sophisticated, year-round presence that enhances any garden with minimal maintenance.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
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