Cryptomeria japonica 'Globosa nana'
If you have seen a Japanese movie, surely you have been able to contemplate one of the most spectacular conifers that they have there: the Japanese cedar. It is a perfect plant to have in oriental-style gardens, since there are also different varieties, so whether you have a fairly large plot or if it is rather small, you can decorate it with it.
This incredible plant has a very pretty autumn coloration, reddish-brown in color. And if it was not enough, will stay like this throughout the season, it is even likely to continue through the winter.
Cryptomeria Forest
The scientific name for Japanese cedar is japonica cryptomeria. Although it is widely cultivated in that country, it is also believed to be native to China, where it is grown both as an ornamental plant and for wood. It belongs to the Taxodieae family, with bright green evergreen leaves.
This species reaches an impressive height, about 70 meters with a 4m trunk, but as we said, there are smaller varieties suitable for small gardens, such as the Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans' that grows to 5-7 meters, or the Cryptomeria japonica 'Globosa nana' that you can see in the image that heads the article.
Cryptomeria japonica 'Tenzan sugi'
The Japanese cedar can be used interchangeably as an isolated specimen or forming groups with other conifers. Dwarf varieties can be had decorating a rockery, and The larger ones will look great delimiting those areas of the garden where you want to safeguard privacy, like in the pool.
It is very resistant to cold, supporting intense frosts without being damaged. On the contrary, high temperatures can harm it, so if you live in the warm Mediterranean for example, I recommend that you grow it in a pot mixing 70% akadama and 30% kiryuzuna so that the roots are always aerated. Cryptomeria is one of the conifers that are best adapted to living in pots; in fact, it is very worked like bonsai.
So now you know, if you are looking for plants to have in your oriental garden, get a Japanese cedar.