Evergreen Tree – Gyokuryu Red Japanese Cedar

Gyokuryu Red Japanese Cedar 

Botanical name: cryptomeria japonica ‘gyokuryu’

Beginner friendly?: yes 

Average size at maturity: 3-7 ft in height with a spread of 3-5 ft 

Hardy zone: zones 5-9

Foliage color: green 

Growth rate: grows 12-18 inches per year 

Pruning instructions: prune during dormancy in the late winter/early spring to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings during the fall and winter months 

Landscape use: privacy plant, hedge, container plant, dwarf tree, shade garden 

Special features: deer resistant, shade tolerant, cold hardy 

Light needs: no more than 4 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2-4 inches of soil dry between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring, before new growth begins to emerge 

Best time to plant: spring, summer, fall 

Best type of soil: loam, sand 

Companion plants: azaleas, ferns, hostas, camellias  

Toxicity level: non-toxic for pets and humans 

Invasive species: no